GNR rules out migrant landing at Meco and points to drug trafficking and fuel smuggling
The GNR and Maritime Police exclude the presence of migrants at Foz Beach, Meco, and point to drug trafficking and fuel smuggling.
Authorities rule out migrants at Meco and investigate maritime drug and fuel trafficking
The GNR and Maritime Police have concluded that the alleged landing of approximately 30 people in a rubber boat at Foz Beach, Meco, in the municipality of Sesimbra, which occurred this morning, is not related to migrants, according to dn.pt.
The incident was initially reported by a fisherman, who said he had seen between 20 to 30 individuals in the vicinity of the location. However, in a joint statement, the two police forces state that the steps taken "did not confirm" that information. "From police investigative work, it is concluded that it is not possible to assert the existence of any migrant landing in that area", the statement reads.
The evidence collected on the ground points, according to the authorities, to a different scenario. "The scenario found is similar to the numerous situations that these police forces have detected: suspicious movements along the Portuguese coast, related to drug trafficking by sea and fuel smuggling", states the same document. These earlier operations resulted in the arrest of several national and foreign citizens, as well as the seizure of considerable quantities of fuel and drug product.
The GNR and Maritime Police guarantee that they will continue, "in a coordinated manner", police operations, using a device for investigation and terrestrial, maritime and aerial surveillance, to consolidate the information collected and ensure security in the area in question.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)