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Efforts to criminalize fake drug sales in Portugal

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2026-08-14 11:34 UTC → 2026-08-14 15:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Portugal, law enforcement and political actors are pushing for the criminalization of the sale of fake drugs, specifically substances like ‘louro prensado’ (pressed bay leaf), talcum powder, and plaster used to simulate narcotics. The Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) has advocated for legislative changes to close a legal vacuum that has existed for over 20 years. The PSP noted that current measures, such as municipal licensing and fines for unauthorized street vending, have been ineffective because suspects often avoid penalties by presenting certificates of poverty. The push for reform intensified following an incident in downtown Lisbon where a Swedish tourist was struck by a stray bullet during a confrontation between groups selling the substance. Following these developments, the Iniciativa Liberal (IL) party submitted a bill to the Portuguese Parliament. The proposal seeks to impose prison sentences of up to one year for individuals who manufacture, sell, or possess imitations of narcotics or psychotropic substances with the intent to pass them off as authentic for illegitimate enrichment. The IL argues that the current framework is insufficient, as authorities frequently treat these activities as mere unlicensed street vending rather than criminal acts, despite the growing frequency of the practice in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

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