Trafficking network in Sintra sought hashish in Morocco — six arrested
The PJ dismantled a network of six traffickers operating in Sintra for two years, seizing 2,500 drug doses and two firearms.
Anti-narcotics unit dismantles Sintra network with links to Morocco
The National Unit for Combating Drug Trafficking of the Judicial Police (UNCTE/PJ) dismantled a drug trafficking network composed of six men operating in urban areas of Sintra municipality. According to Correio da Manhã, the investigation lasted two years before culminating in the arrests.
The group supplied itself with narcotics abroad, chiefly in Morocco, and proceeded to prepare the drugs in various locations before distributing them. Sales were made mostly to small street traffickers, but also directly to consumers. The main product was hashish of Moroccan origin.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of Sintra district delegated the investigation to the UNCTE/PJ after collecting evidence that this was a case of international trafficking. At least five of the six suspects, aged between 21 and 44 years, already had criminal records for drug trafficking. The sixth person worked in the catering sector and is believed to have joined the network attracted by the prospect of easy profit.
To execute the search and arrest warrants issued by Sintra court, the UNCTE/PJ had the support of the PSP's canine unit. The searches made it possible to seize 2,500 individual doses of cocaine, hashish and MDMA, two firearms, a sum of money and two vehicles used in criminal activity.
Sintra court applied preventive detention to one of those arrested. Three others were subject to weekly check-ins with the authorities, whilst the two remaining were released with a Term of Identity and Residence.
Source: Correio da Manhã