Attempted shootings soar in Portugal: 94 cases in first half of year
Crimes of attempted murder with firearms have been rising for five consecutive years in Portugal. Juvenile gangs and drug trafficking are behind the phenomenon.
Attempted murder shootings rise for fifth consecutive year in Portugal
Ninety-four attempted murders with firearms were recorded in just the first half of the year. The figure already represents more than half of the 148 cases recorded for the entire previous year — and the upward trend has continued for five consecutive years.
The data, officially provided by the Judicial Police (PJ), were reported by Correio da Manhã, which heard from police sources about the causes of the increase. According to those sources, disputes between juvenile gangs and drug trafficking are behind the phenomenon, compounded by the growing circulation of illegal weapons.
Illegal weapons concern authorities
Police forces have expressed particular concern about the proliferation of firearms outside legal channels. The presence of these weapons in contexts of rivalry between juvenile groups and drug trafficking networks has, according to the same sources, directly contributed to the increase in lethal — or near-lethal — violence.
The pattern of crimes points to confrontations linked to territorial control and trafficking activity, with recourse to weaponry that circulates illegally among those involved.
Source: Correio da Manhã