The Judicial Police and the Security Intelligence Service feared violent clashes at the Faro bikers’ festival on July 19th to 22nd so worked in unison to avoid shootings and fights.
The authorities predicted retaliation from the Bandidos gang against the Hell's Angels following violence in March at a Prior Velho restaurant when several Hell’s Angels members attacked a rival gang and members of the Nova Ordem Social (NOS).
The SIS had been informed that members of the Bandidos had been in Faro and suspected that they were hiding weapons in advance of the festival.
Agents also were concerned of the possibility of the Bandidos entering the Faro bikers’ festival site with vans hired in Spain to run down members of the Hell's Angels.
The SIS said the risks called for measures to be taken to protect potential victims - other motorists and families who have nothing to do with the warring groups.
The investigation of the Hell's Angels, authorised by the Central Department of Criminal Investigation and Action and the National Counter-terrorism Unit of the Judicial Police, have seen the arrest of 59 defendants, one was detained in Germany
The defendants are indicted for criminal association, attempted murder, robbery and drug trafficking.
See also: 'Hell's Angels arrested in Faro - part of nationwide operation''
