Four suspects detained as Portuguese police seize 4 tonnes of hashish off Setúbal

Four men, aged 26 to 36, were placed in preventive detention by the Setúbal court after the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) intercepted two vessels near the coast of Setúbal and seized approximately four tonnes of hashish.

The operation, conducted by the GNR’s Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) using coordinated maritime, land and aerial assets, began when the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System identified a high‑speed boat approaching the Setúbal bar. The boat transferred cargo to two smaller vessels, indicating drug trafficking. One vessel was intercepted, the hashish confiscated, and its two occupants arrested. A second vessel attempted to flee but was caught near the Troia peninsula, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects and the seizure of more illegal substances. Authorities also seized ten jerrycans, four of which still contained fuel, and one detainee faces a pending expulsion order.