Ex-PSP Agent in Portugal Sentenced to 8.5 Years for Drug Trafficking

A former agent of the PSP, Portugal's police force, has been sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring. The sentencing was handed down by the Tribunal São João Novo in Porto, Portugal. The ex-agent, who has been in preventive detention, was also ordered to pay 240,000 euros to the Portuguese state.

According to the investigation, the drug trafficking ring, which the ex-agent was part of since 2022, imported drugs from South America, specifically from Brazil. The substances were hidden in maritime cargo or within the structure of ships. The group used various methods to transport and deliver the illicit substances, including hiding them in agricultural machinery or in the hulls of ships destined for the Port of Leixões in Matosinhos, Porto district.

The accused group, considered one of the main drug trafficking networks in northern Portugal, was known for its violent methods and use of firearms. At the time of the arrest of seven suspects in May 2024, the Judicial Police described the group as a structured criminal organization with connections in South America. The group's operations involved importing, transporting, and delivering illicit substances.

A total of 12 individuals were charged in the case, with six receiving prison sentences ranging from 6 years and 6 months to 7 years and 6 months. The remaining five suspects were acquitted. The ex-PSP agent chose not to testify during the trial, which began on September 22, 2026.

The drug trafficking ring used GPS trackers to locate the hidden substances. When the drugs were concealed in ship hulls, the group would hire divers to retrieve them. This modus operandi allowed the group to maintain control over the illicit goods throughout the transportation process.

The case was reported by RecordTV Cabo Verde and Lusa. The investigation revealed that the group's activities were extensive, with a significant impact on the region's drug trafficking landscape. The sentencing aims to curb such criminal activities and deter others from engaging in similar offenses.

The convicted ex-PSP agent's role in the drug trafficking ring highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime. The case demonstrates the importance of continued efforts to disrupt and dismantle such networks, ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Key points

• The former PSP agent was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in prison and ordered to pay 240,000 euros to the Portuguese state.
• The drug trafficking ring imported substances from South America, hidden in maritime cargo or ship structures.
• Six other suspects received prison sentences, while five were acquitted.