The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) carried out this Friday an operation of coastal surveillance and control near Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé, which resulted in the seizure of 7,275 liters of gasoline, a high-speed vessel, and various material suspected of being related to drug trafficking.
The operation took place in the vicinity of Almargem and Gaivota beaches, after suspicious movements were detected in the area and a high-speed vessel was identified through the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC). The Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF), through the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment, mobilized land, sea, and air assets to monitor the movements.
Among the seized material are a semi-rigid vessel, 291 jerrycans with approximately 7,275 liters of gasoline, a video surveillance camera (CCTV), and various mechanical material. The GNR reports that it confirmed the suspicious movements near the two beaches through surveillance actions and ground patrols.
Police authorities, including the GNR, the Maritime Police, and the Judicial Police, have seized this year, in the Algarve, approximately 1,500 jerrycans and more than 25,000 liters of fuel in operations related to the logistical support of maritime drug trafficking. The GNR recalls that it maintains permanent surveillance of the Portuguese coast to prevent and combat cross-border crime, particularly drug trafficking.
