Portugal maritime authorities target drug trafficking via high-speed boats

Portuguese authorities are conducting multiple operations to combat maritime drug trafficking and suspicious activities along the coast. In Caminha, the Polícia Judiciária and Spanish Guardia Civil detained a foreign national after a high-speed boat was intentionally run aground at Moledo beach. The vessel, equipped with four outboard motors, was found with a small amount of narcotics.

In Quarteira, the GNR seized a boat containing over 7,000 liters of gasoline across 291 jerrycans, along with surveillance equipment and mechanical parts, following reports of suspicious movements. Meanwhile, in Sesimbra, authorities are investigating a boat suspected of being used to support illicit drug trafficking activities.

In Viana do Castelo, maritime authorities rescued three individuals (two Spanish and one Swedish) after their high-speed boat drifted approximately 111 kilometers offshore. The Spanish-flagged vessel was seized for investigation. These incidents have highlighted concerns regarding the shortage of GNR personnel needed to counter international narcotics networks operating via high-speed vessels.