Police authorities arrested eight men suspected of drug trafficking this weekend, in Albufeira and Vilamoura.
The GNR operation had a special focus on the Vilamoura Marina and in areas of bars and clubs in Albufeira, and was the result of a “strong bet” by the GNR that the “beginning of the bathing season” usually results in an increase in this behaviour. "We need to fight this type of crime at night, close to nightlife spaces”, a GNR spokesperson said.
The detainees, who are between 19 and 35 years old, were approached as part of the operation aimed at combating drug sales in popular nightlife spaces in the Algarve.
Due to the "low quantities" of drugs seized - 210 doses of cocaine, 30 of hashish, nine of cannabis and 1.8 grams of MDMA, the detainees were released, pending a court appearance.
The GNR source also said that the operation carried out over the weekend will continue as there is a greater influx to Algarve nightlife spots, where “this type of crime is expected to increase” with the beginning of the tourist season in the region.
“With the start of the bathing season and a greater influx of people, after two years of the pandemic, we will continue to focus on these areas under control to ensure the safety of these areas,” the GNR spokesperson concluded.
