Drug trafficking is the greatest threat to internal security, warns minister Luís Neves
The Internal Administration Minister has warned that drug trafficking is the primary threat to security in Portugal, used as an entry gateway for cocaine into Europe.
Portugal used as strategic cocaine trafficking route to Europe, says minister
Drug trafficking is the greatest threat to internal security in Portugal, according to eco.sapo.pt, which reported statements by the Internal Administration Minister, Luís Neves, in parliamentary debate on the 2025 Annual Report on Internal Security (RASI).
"Drug trafficking is today the primary threat to internal security in Portugal," Neves stated before parliament. The minister emphasised that transnational criminal organisations use the country as a "strategic entry gateway for cocaine into Europe," similarly to other European states.
The RASI is coordinated by the Internal Security System based on information provided by approximately 25 entities, including all national forces and security services.
Increased production drives pressure from criminal networks
Luís Neves pointed to a direct cause for the worsening situation: "The new factor is the large increase in cocaine production that drug traffickers want to move because profit margins in Europe are much higher." Drug-related crimes have, according to the minister, a "tremendous social impact on the life of communities," by fuelling theft, robbery, threats, assaults and other crimes associated with consumption and competition for selling points.
Visible drug consumption in public spaces degrades urban areas, affects economic activity and quality of life, and contributes significantly to the sense of insecurity in cities, the minister argued. In response, the PSP and GNR will strengthen visibility and police operations in the most affected areas, mainly in Lisbon and Porto.
Overall crime rises 3.1%, but minister plays down figures
2025 data records a 3.1% increase in overall crime. Neves attributed this growth, in large part, to greater operational investment by security forces. "We are not just talking about more crimes, we are talking about more action by the state, greater police proactivity. Raw numbers are not the same as real danger," said the minister.
Rape crimes reach highest figure of the decade
Neves noted that data on rape crimes merits "particular seriousness," given that in 2025 they reached the highest figure of the last decade. In response to this problem, "we assume specialised training of security forces and coordination with the Justice system to reduce response times to these victims as a priority," he declared.
The minister further stated that a national victimisation survey will be conducted, coordinated with the Internal Security System. Security forces already collect data on detained foreigners, both residents and non-residents, which may be available in next year's report.
Taking the RASI figures "without whitewashing them," Neves reiterated that Portugal is recognised internationally as a safe country — a "strategic advantage to preserve" — but warned that this condition is not guaranteed and requires constant vigilance and continuous response to new threats.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)