Portugal Police Bust Cocaine Lab Hidden in Spice: Six Foreign Nationals Arrested
The Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ) uncovered a cocaine production site concealed within a spice operation in Santiago do Cacém, taking six foreign nationals into custody.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Six foreigners (five men, one woman) were detained
- Cocaine was being smuggled by disguising it in cinnamon and other spices
- Large quantities of cocaine-laced spices and extraction chemicals were seized
Spice Operation and Arrests
The Judicial Police (PJ) carried out the "Spice" operation in Santiago do Cacém, detaining six foreign individuals – five men and one woman aged between 30 and 58 – suspected of drug trafficking.
Cocaine‑Infused Spice Laboratory
Investigators discovered a substantial amount of powdered spices contaminated with cocaine, primarily cinnamon, along with the chemical reagents and equipment required for cocaine extraction.
- Cocaine was concealed within spices to enter Portuguese territory.
- The chemicals found are typical of illicit cocaine processing.
- This case highlights a new method in the regional drug trade.
Sources
PJ detém 6 e "trava" laboratório de droga. Cocaína chegava em canela