Portugal's Interior Minister Luís Neves faces probe over seized drug trailer at friend's firm
A trailer seized in December 2024 during the police's "Operação Pacoba" drug‑trafficking operation disappeared from the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) depot and was later recovered at the premises of Construbarcelos, the construction company owned by João Santos Carvalho, a personal friend of Luís Neves, now Minister of the Interior. Inside the trailer were chemical precursors, including acetone, intended for cocaine processing. The PJ opened an inquiry to determine how the vehicle left police custody and whether Neves, who was director of the PJ until February 2026, authorized its release.
Opposition leaders have demanded Neves’ resignation or a full explanation. Chega leader André Ventura wrote to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro urging Neves to step down, saying “more than a resignation note, it is a call to the minister himself”. Liberal Party president Mariana Leitão said the minister must “explain the completely absurd series of mishaps” surrounding the case. The Socialist Party and the Left Bloc have also asked for clear, unequivocal answers. The government maintains that no illegal act has been proven and that the minister will cooperate with the investigation.
The inquiry has been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is reviewing the facts as the case proceeds through the courts.