GNR arrests ten suspects in maritime drug trafficking operation in Algarve, in Tavira and Fuseta
The GNR arrested ten men and seized two vessels and a vehicle in a coastal surveillance operation carried out in the early hours of Wednesday in the Algarve.
GNR operation in Algarve results in ten arrests for maritime drug trafficking
The National Republican Guard (GNR) arrested ten men suspected of drug trafficking during a coastal surveillance operation carried out in the early hours of Wednesday in Tavira and Fuseta, in the Algarve, reports jn.pt.
In total, two vessels were seized — a fishing vessel and an inflatable boat with an engine — and a vehicle.
Of the ten arrested, eight are foreign nationals, aged between 19 and 30 years old, and were intercepted in Tavira. The other two, Portuguese, aged 43 and 46, were arrested in Fuseta, in the municipality of Olhão, the GNR stated in a communiqué.
The operation was launched after the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC) detected high-speed vessels (HSVs) off the Algarve coast — a type of vessel frequently associated with drug trafficking. The suspicious movement led to the mobilisation of land, maritime and aerial resources to monitor the movements of the vessels.
"Suspicious movements were confirmed in the vicinity of Tavira and Fuseta, making it apparent that this involved logistical support for maritime drug trafficking," the GNR stated in a communiqué.
The operation was reinforced by military personnel from the Faro Territorial Command. The GNR emphasises that it maintains permanent vigilance of the Portuguese coast, reinforcing its operational deployment to prevent and combat cross-border crime, including drug trafficking and other illicit activities associated with maritime routes.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)