Police in Évora have arrested a suspect, sparking a large-scale anti-drug operation across central Alentejo, Portugal. Over the past 18 months, authorities investigated a complex drug trafficking ring. On Friday, officers executed 29 coordinated search warrants in several areas, including Santarém District, Lisbon, and Samora Correia. The Public Security Police (PSP) of Évora arrested 13 suspects aged 19 to 45 and seized significant amounts of drugs, cash, vehicles, and weapons.
The investigation targeted high-level dealers suspected of distributing narcotics across multiple regions. Six of those arrested remain in custody as legal proceedings continue. Authorities described the operation as one of the most impactful drug busts in recent years in the area.
During the raids, police confiscated over 135,000 doses of hashish, nearly 700 doses of cocaine, and 85 doses of ecstasy. They also seized two tanks of pressurized nitrous oxide, almost €60,000 in cash, five high-powered vehicles, a motorcycle, and two firearms — a 6.35mm pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun. PSP officials said these seizures will disrupt the local drug supply chain significantly.
PSP sub-commissioner Nuno Albardeiro spoke at a press briefing, calling the operation a major success. He explained that the police dealt a critical blow to a well-organized and deeply rooted criminal network. The coordinated action required precise planning and swift execution, with investigators uncovering multiple distribution points. The large number of simultaneous searches showed rare collaboration across various districts.
Authorities stated they will keep working to dismantle the remaining elements of the drug ring and prevent future criminal activity. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by Portuguese law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and related crimes in the Alentejo region and beyond.