Portugal faces drug trafficking as top security threat

Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, has identified drug trafficking as the primary threat to the country's internal security. During a parliamentary debate regarding the 2025 Annual Internal Security Report (RASI), Neves stated that Portugal is being used by transnational criminal organizations as a strategic entry point for cocaine into Europe.

The minister noted a significant increase in cocaine production, which traffickers are seeking to distribute due to high profit margins in the European market. He emphasized that drug-related crimes have a profound social impact, fueling theft, robbery, threats, and violence, while public drug consumption degrades urban spaces and economic activity.

To combat these issues, the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Republican Guard (GNR) will increase visibility and police operations, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. Regarding a 3.1% rise in general crime statistics for 2025, Neves attributed the increase to greater operational investment and proactive policing by state forces rather than an increase in actual danger.