GNR detains 12 men and seizes 4,900 litres of fuel in Albufeira linked to maritime drug trafficking
The GNR detained 12 suspects and seized nearly 5,000 litres of fuel on São Rafael beach in Albufeira in an operation against maritime drug trafficking.
Anti-trafficking operation on Algarve coast intercepts suspicious refuelling of vessel
The National Republican Guard detained 12 men and identified a minor aged 15 in the vicinity of São Rafael beach in Albufeira on Monday in action to combat maritime drug trafficking. A total of 4,900 litres of fuel were also seized, according to a GNR statement cited by Observador.
The operation was conducted by the Olhão Coastal Control Unit in the municipality of Albufeira, Faro district. The military personnel detected suspicious movements in the coastal zone and activated terrestrial and aerial resources to confirm the nature of the activity.
"The offloading of portable fuel containers (jerrycans) was confirmed, presumably with a view to transhipment to a vessel," the GNR statement read. The military personnel succeeded in preventing the operation from being completed and intercepted the suspects, who attempted to escape.
In total, two light vehicles were seized—a commercial vehicle with forged registration and a passenger vehicle—196 jerrycans containing approximately 25 litres each, totalling 4,900 litres, and seven mobile phones. The nationality of the suspects was not specified by the security force.
The Coastal Control and Borders Unit (UCCF) received reinforcement from military personnel from the Faro Territorial Command during the operation.
The GNR emphasises that it maintains permanent surveillance of the Portuguese coast and is reinforcing its operational deployment to prevent and combat cross-border crime, in particular maritime drug trafficking.
Source: Observador