A 38 month long GNR investigation has resulted in 49 arrests and the seizure of tons of drugs across eight Portuguese districts, and districts in southern Spain.
The National Republican Guard (GNR), through its Intervention Unit and in cooperation with the Civil Guard of Spain, carried out a major operation to combat drug trafficking this week, between July 7th and 11th.
This major operation stems from a 3 year criminal investigation conducted by the Special Operations Intervention Group. "During the course of this investigation, several suspects of specific nationalities were identified, which fostered a close relationship with the Civil Guard, under the umbrella of International Police Cooperation."
In Portugal, the operation resulted in the arrest of 32 people and the execution of 32 home search warrants, 21 non-home search warrants, and 35 vehicle search and seizure warrants. In Spain, in addition to the arrest of one person and the execution of six home searches, 16 arrests were recorded throughout the investigation.
In total, 49 people were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, criminal association, and possession of a prohibited weapon. During the operation, various items were also seized, including: 7 tons of hashish, 650 kg of cocaine, 18 high-speed boats, with an estimated value of approximately €8 million; 40 high-powered engines, valued at approximately €2.5 million, €780,000 in cash, 11 firearms, and 24 motor vehicles.
According to the GNR , “the main objective of this operation was to disrupt the logistics chain of these groups of suspects who were involved in drug trafficking, severely affecting their ability to distribute drugs throughout the Iberian Peninsula, thus contributing to an increase in the feeling of security among its populations.”
The operation also included reinforcements from military personnel from the Emergency, Protection and Relief Unit, the Coastal and Border Control Unit, the Fiscal Action Unit and other specialized units.
Source https://postal.pt/
