The Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) has seized 2.7 tons of cocaine in a major operation on the country's central coast. The operation, dubbed "Atalaia," began at 4 am on Wednesday and resulted in the arrest of seven foreign nationals suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking. The seizures were made on the beaches of Figueira da Foz, where authorities found a vehicle being loaded with cocaine and two firearms.
According to GNR spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Canatário, the operation was the result of the dismantling of a criminal network that was allegedly preparing to introduce narcotics into Portugal and the European market. The suspects, aged between 20 and 44, were identified as foreigners, with four arrested for drug trafficking and possession of prohibited war weapons, and three for illegal stay in the country.
The operation began with a tip-off from locals, who reported suspicious activity on the beach. GNR agents intercepted 12 people wandering in the area of Tocha, a nearby locality, but some managed to escape and hide in a dwelling. The agents surrounded the house and arrested four people with long firearms similar to those found on the beach, and 1.8 tons of cocaine.
In total, the GNR seized six vehicles, a boat, and four AK47 war firearms, which were loaded. The authorities also found a boat and a vehicle with a false license plate in Quiaios, which showed signs of having circulated on the beaches and was subject to an alert issued by Switzerland.
Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Canatário stated that in recent months, the GNR has carried out several operations seizing drugs, war weapons, boats, and increasingly sophisticated equipment. Most drug landings have occurred further south in Portugal, but this case is relatively new given the zone where it happened.
According to Canatário, this seizure may be the result of "pressures of surveillance and control on routes" made by Spanish and European authorities, leading criminals to "study and adapt their routes." Portugal has become a chosen destination, as traffickers seek to exploit less controlled areas.
The GNR operation was aided by local residents who reported suspicious activity, and Canatário appealed to the public to report any unusual activity, emphasizing that such alerts can be crucial in combating crime and enhancing public safety.
Key points
- The GNR seized 2.7 tons of cocaine and arrested seven foreign nationals in a major anti-narcotics operation on the Portuguese coast.
- The operation resulted in the dismantling of a criminal network that was allegedly preparing to introduce narcotics into Portugal and the European market.
- The GNR is urging the public to report any suspicious activity to help combat crime and enhance public safety.
