Drug trafficking. 16 arrested in Aljustrel and Alcácer do Sal

The GNR arrested 13 men and three women in the municipalities of Aljustrel and Alcácer do Sal on suspicion of drug trafficking crimes as part of an investigation that lasted for about two years, it announced this Monday.

In a statement, the National Republican Guard (GNR) indicated that the suspects, aged between 22 and 53, were arrested on Thursday, also on suspicion of crimes of criminal association, money laundering and possession of a prohibited weapon.

During the operation, which involved 160 military personnel, the GNR carried out 21 search warrants , namely 13 at homes, five in vehicles and three in establishments.

3,080 doses of heroin, 2,197 doses of hashish, 2,155 doses of cocaine, eight canisters of nitrous oxide, six rifles, four pistols, three revolvers, three replica firearms, 18 air guns, three machetes and a dagger were seized.

The GNR also seized 30 extendable batons, 244 rounds of ammunition, five cars, three motorcycles, two scooters, two bicycles, an electric scooter and two bottles of ammonia.

The detainees will be presented for their first judicial interrogation at the Ourique Judicial Court, in the district of Beja.