The Judicial Police (PJ) in Cabo Verde have detained 20 new individuals as part of the "Shark" operation, which began in July this year in the city of Praia. The detainees include four agents of the National Police, five prison guards, and a high-ranking official of the Public Administration. The operation was carried out by the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCIC) through the Central Section of Investigation of Narcotics Trafficking and Organized Crime (SCITECO).
The 20 suspects, 17 men and three women aged between 20 and 60, are accused of being involved in high-risk narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes. The PJ stated that the detainees were arrested outside of flagrant offense and that the operation had the collaboration of the National Police and the Directorate of the Central Prison of Praia. Ten search and seizure warrants were fulfilled, issued by the Public Prosecutor and the Judge of Criminal Instruction.
During the searches, authorities seized a hunting rifle, a 6.35-millimeter pistol, and several ammunition rounds. They also found cannabis and its derivatives, cocaine, cutting products used in narcotics preparation, and utensils and materials associated with drug preparation and consumption. Additionally, two vehicles and various electronic equipment were seized, which will be subject to expertise.
According to the Judicial Police, some of the detainees were already known to the authorities and have previous convictions for various crimes. All detainees were presented to the competent judicial authorities within the legal deadline for the first judicial interrogation of detained defendants. The application and knowledge of the respective coercion measures are expected in the coming hours.
The "Shark" operation was initially launched on July 16 in the city of Praia. In the first phase, the Judicial Police carried out 12 domestic searches in the Fazenda, Palmarejo, Craveiro Lopes, and Plateau neighborhoods, resulting in the detention of 12 suspects. The investigation aimed to dismantle an alleged criminal structure that had been active for about 15 years and was involved in high-risk narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.
During the July searches, authorities seized 1.1627 kilograms of cocaine, products, and materials used in narcotics cutting and preparation, two precision balances, and other objects associated with drug consumption. They also seized 2,048,269 Cabo Verdean escudos and 770 euros, values that the PJ considered to be strongly indicative of coming from criminal activities.
The "Shark" operation resulted in significant seizures, including 25 vehicles, four motorcycles, a water motorcycle, three bicycles, gold and silver artifacts, several cell phones, and two rifles, in addition to ammunition of different calibers. The PJ highlighted the importance of the operation in combating organized crime and narcotics trafficking in Cabo Verde.
Key points
- Twenty new suspects detained in Cabo Verde as part of the "Shark" operation.
- Detainees include police agents, prison guards, and a public official.
- Operation aims to dismantle alleged criminal structure involved in high-risk narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
