In a major step against organized drug crime, police officers in Évora have arrested a key suspect and launched a large-scale crackdown on a drug network that spread across central Alentejo. The operation led to 29 house searches in several regions, including Santarém, Montemor-o-Novo, Lisbon, and Samora Correia. It targeted a well-structured group accused of moving large amounts of illegal drugs between municipalities. Authorities say the action marks one of the most significant anti-drug efforts in the area in recent years.
The police took coordinated steps to ensure the safety and success of the mission. Officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) worked together to secure the targets and collect evidence. The operation followed an 18-month investigation that built a clear case against the suspects. On Friday, law enforcement confirmed the arrest of 13 people, including nine men and four women. The ages of those detained range from 19 to 45 years.
Six of the suspects are being held in custody as legal proceedings move forward. The arrests were made during the final phase of the operation, which followed months of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and undercover work. According to officials, the network had deep roots in several towns and operated with a high level of coordination.
During the raids, police seized a large quantity of illegal substances. They confiscated over 135,000 doses of hashish, nearly 700 doses of cocaine, and 85 doses of ecstasy. In addition to the drugs, officers found more than €60,000 in cash. They also took possession of several valuable assets believed to be linked to drug profits. These included five powerful cars, a motorcycle, and two tanks of nitrous oxide. Police also recovered a 6.35mm pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun, suggesting that the group may have been prepared to defend their operations with violence.
The items seized are now part of the evidence that prosecutors will use in court. Authorities say the wealth and weapons found show the scale and danger of the criminal group’s activity. Police believe this seizure will disrupt the drug trade in Alentejo and make it harder for similar networks to operate in the area.
PSP sub-commissioner Nuno Albardeiro shared details of the case during a press briefing. He called the bust one of the biggest drug seizures the region has seen in recent memory. He noted that the group ran a tight and efficient operation that required detailed planning to take down. Albardeiro praised the teamwork and commitment of the officers involved and stressed the importance of this kind of proactive law enforcement.
He said the success of the operation sends a strong message to organized crime groups. “We will not stop. We are committed to fighting drug networks wherever they appear,” he said. He also highlighted the risks drug trafficking poses to local communities, including rising violence, addiction, and the exploitation of young people.
Officials also confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Police are now examining financial records, phone data, and digital evidence to find more links in the network. They believe the operation may lead to further arrests in the coming weeks.
The PSP has asked the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior. They noted that community support plays a key role in keeping neighborhoods safe and crime-free.
This high-impact case marks a significant win for law enforcement in Portugal. By removing dangerous substances from the streets and breaking up a major criminal group, police have made Alentejo a safer place.