Portugal prepares new laws to criminalize fake drug sales

The Portuguese government is preparing legislative changes to criminalize the sale of fake drugs. Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves announced that the measure aims to create a specific legal classification for the crime of fraud, targeting the sale of substances passed off as narcotics. This move seeks to eliminate a legal loophole where sellers exploit the fact that the substances are not technically narcotics to avoid certain penalties.

Separately, in Grândola, local authorities are calling for increased resources for the National Republican Guard (GNR). Mayor Luís Vital Alexandre has requested more personnel and the installation of video surveillance following a wave of thefts and attempts to rob tobacco vending machines. The mayor noted that the current force of fewer than 30 military personnel is insufficient for the area's needs and has requested an audience with the Secretary of State for Internal Administration to demand more resources.