Operation "Mare Nostrum" seizes 3.7 tonnes of cocaine south of Faro with one fatality
The PJ detained two suspects and seized 3,700 kg of cocaine in a maritime operation 80 nautical miles south of Faro. One of three suspects died following a collision between vessels.
One dead and two detained after cocaine interception at sea
The Judicial Police (PJ) announced on Monday afternoon the seizure of 3,700 kilograms of cocaine and the detention of two suspects as part of Operation "Mare Nostrum", according to rr.pt. A third suspect lost his life during the boarding.
"One of the suspects, unfortunately, died as a result of serious injuries sustained at the moment of boarding," declared João Oliveira, director of the PJ in Lisbon, at a press conference held at the police headquarters in Lisbon.
The collision between the suspects' vessel and that of the authorities occurred on Sunday, after the crew members failed to obey a stop order. Oliveira confirmed that three military personnel fell into the sea during the operation, with no report of other injuries.
The drug was located in a high-speed vessel detected and intercepted approximately 80 nautical miles south of Faro, following a pursuit. Three people were on board. Several objects used in navigation and the transport of narcotics were also seized.
According to the PJ, the cocaine originated in Latin America and was "very probably" destined for Portugal. The investigation, which began approximately six months ago, is part of the dismantling of a criminal group specialised in introducing large quantities of drugs into mainland Europe via high-speed vessels.
The two detainees are foreign nationals and will be presented for initial questioning at the Justice Campus in Lisbon.
The operation involved the PJ's National Unit for Combating Drug Trafficking, the Portuguese Navy, the Maritime Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza. The press conference was attended by representatives of these two latter entities.
The investigation took place within the framework of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N), with the collaboration of the Portuguese Air Force, the Spanish Guardia Civil and Italian authorities.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)