Dear Reader,

Here is your weekly news overview…

Faro Airport: Couple arrested with 12.9 kilos of cocaine

A couple, aged 36 and 37 have been arrested at Faro airport with 12.9 kilos of cocaine concealed in their luggage, arriving to Faro on a flight originating in Brazil.

Both were remanded in custody.

According to the Judicial Police, the couple were detained following an inspection carried out by the customs officers at Faro airport, but did not specify the day on which the detention took place.

The authorities also seized an unspecified amount of euro banknotes and other objects related to the crime, said the PJ.

After being present at the first judicial interrogation in Faro, both were subject to preventive detention.

Lidl launches digital water saving gadget

Yesterday, supermarket chain Lidl launched a Digital Water Meter that aims to reduce the consumption of water, and in turn saves money.

Installed directly on the tap through a standard connection, the meter allows you to control water consumption, temperature and water flow immediately.

The digital display is clear and simple to read, with three colours depending on water consumption: green up to approximately 40 litres, orange between 40 and 60 litres, and red if it exceeds 60 litres.

It also includes a reset function, which allows you to show the flow in litres per minute in real time and show the total water consumption from the start of the flow until the reset button is pressed.

The gadget does not require batteries, it uses water energy, and is easily installed directly on the tap, through a standard connection.

Bodycams to become an essential requirement for PSP and GNR

A program for the acquisition of portable cameras for individual use by police officers will be presented today, with the Government counting on acquiring around 10,000 'bodycams' in stages until 2026.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), the investment of five million euros for the acquisition of portable cameras for individual use by the security forces will have two phases. The acquisition of the 'bodycams' will only happen after the conclusion of the public tender launched this week for the purchase of the Unified Video Systems Security Platform.

This platform will have as requirements the ability to centrally manage all types of technology associated with video surveillance equipment, namely 'bodycams' and municipal video surveillance systems, as well as connection to remote systems installed in nightlife establishments and commercial/shopping centres.

The Ministry, supervised by José Luís Carneiro, estimates that the tender for the Unified Video Systems Security Platform, worth 1.48 million euros (without VAT), will be concluded in mid-August this year, if there are no “requests for extension of the deadlines for the delivery of proposals or challenges of an administrative and/or judicial nature”. Acquisition of the 10,000 'bodycams' to equip the elements of the PSP and GNR with then follow, with completion of the program expected by 2026.

The MAI states that, “in addition to the tender for the Unified Video Systems Security Platform, necessary for the entire system to be operational, there follows another tender worth approximately 750,000 euros for the acquisition of computing services and safeguarding data".

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, these two competitions are funded by the Recovery and Resilience Program.

The decree-law that regulates the use of portable cameras for individual use by police officers was published in January.

Truck driver collides with toll booths on the A2

A truck driver was injured yesterday afternoon, after having collided with the tolls booths on the A2, in Paderne.

The vehicle collided and was stuck on top of a 'rail' protecting one of the toll lanes on the A2 motorway, in the south-north direction.

The driver of the truck,  around 40 years old, suffered minor injuries and was rescued by a team from the Albufeira Fire Department and an INEM medical team, later being transported to the Albufeira Basic Emergency Service.

The GNR took care of directing traffic until the truck was removed from the site.

Albufeira: Minister orders closure of a nightclub for 'criminal activity'

Minister orders closure of Club Vida nightclub in Albufeira, due to "practices of a criminal nature". The announcement comes shortly after a 19 year old girl was stabbed to death outside an Albufeira bar earlier this month.

The Minister of Internal Administration also called for the closure of two more nightclubs - Kady's Bar, in Almada and After Porto, in Porto - also for criminal activity. According to a source from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the closures all follow episodes of violence that took place this month in Albufeira, Almada and Porto.

The closure is for a maximum period of six months, determined by the Minister of Internal Administration “following the GNR and the PSP having collected proof of the commission of serious facts, namely of a criminal nature, which, being directly associated with the activity of these establishments, jeopardizes public order, security and tranquillity”, said a statement from José Luís Carneiro’s office.

The closure order for all three premises stipulates that "the necessary measures must be taken for their normal and regular functioning, namely in terms of creating security conditions that make the reopening of establishments possible".

The Minister of Internal Administration also asked the city councils of Almada, Albufeira and Porto to control the activity of the aforementioned nightlife spaces, namely in terms of capacity and opening hours.

Security Forces and the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority will be in charge of supervising compliance with the operating rules of the establishments, namely with regard to the safety of buildings against fire.

On Sunday April 16th a 19 year old girl died after being stabbed by a couple in the Oura area of Albufeira, while in Almada a 19 year old girl died and two others suffered minor injuries after being shot near a bar in Monte da Caparica. In Porto, a 31 year old man was injured on April 1st following a fight between rival groups.

‍OTHER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

Castro Marim: GNR soldier seriously injured in EN125 collision

GNR 'RoadPol — Speed' operation catches over 4300 speeding drivers

Lagoa: French kayaker rescued after breaking her arm

‍More news next week!

Ed

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