International operation detains 262 suspects in migrant trafficking crackdown in Mediterranean
An Interpol operation involving 15 countries resulted in 262 arrests and 434 new investigations. In Portugal, the Judicial Police, PSP and GNR made 11 arrests.
262 arrested in joint operation against migrant trafficking in Mediterranean and Western Africa Atlantic route
An international operation against migrant trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic route off West Africa has concluded with 262 arrests and the opening of 434 new investigations, according to Interpol. Correio da Manhã reports that in Portugal, the Judicial Police recorded eight arrests for maritime drug trafficking — in a logistical support capacity — and three for document forgery.
The Portuguese intervention involved the monitoring of 4,827 people, 275 flights and 201,294 queries to Interpol databases.
'Operation Communis Maris': four days in the field
The initiative, named 'Operation Communis Maris' — a Latin expression for "common sea" — took place between 5 and 8 October. In the field were 383 operational officers, including members of the Judicial Police, PSP and GNR, and three prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service.
The international scope involved police forces from 15 countries and five international bodies.
41 organised crime groups identified
In total, the authorities identified 41 organised crime groups and detected 1,715 migrants in an irregular situation. A further 109 potential victims of human trafficking were flagged.
Of the 262 suspects arrested, 221 are accused of migrant trafficking, 16 of human trafficking and 25 of other crimes, including production and distribution of forged documents.
The stated objective of the operation was to dismantle criminal networks operating on maritime routes, identify traffickers, rescue people in danger and bring those responsible to justice.
Source: Correio da Manhã