GNR arrests 26 suspects and seizes 40 kg of hashish in Aveiro and Porto districts
Major GNR operation dismantles drug trafficking network in Aveiro and Porto districts, with 26 arrested and approximately 40 kg of hashish seized.
Major GNR operation dismantles trafficking network in Aveiro and Porto districts
The Criminal Investigation Unit of Oliveira de Azeméis, from the Territorial Command of Aveiro of the National Republican Guard (GNR), carried out a major police operation on Monday that resulted in the arrest of 26 suspects and the seizure of approximately 40 kilograms of hashish, equivalent to about 80,000 individual doses. According to diarioaveiro.pt, the investigation had been ongoing for months and aimed at dismantling a criminal organisation suspected of drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and other related offences.
The dismantled structure showed significant logistical capacity and operated on a permanent and coordinated basis, ensuring the supply, transport, storage and distribution of drugs across several municipalities in the two districts. Criminal activity covered Aveiro, Arouca, Estarreja, Vale de Cambra, Albergaria-a-Velha, Oliveira de Azeméis, São João da Madeira, Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto.
According to the GNR statement, part of the network operated in densely populated urban areas and in places frequented by young people, including areas near educational establishments, with the aim of recruiting new consumers and expanding the illegal activity.
During the operation, 11 arrest warrants were executed, 43 home searches and 44 non-residential searches were carried out. The operational deployment mobilised GNR officers from various units, including the Intervention Unit, canine teams, criminal investigation and forensics, with support from the Public Security Police.
The 26 detainees — 21 men and 5 women, aged between 17 and 61 — will be brought before the Judicial Court of Santa Maria da Feira tomorrow at 14:00 for their first judicial hearing and the application of coercive measures deemed appropriate.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)