PSP dismantles drug trafficking network in Madeira, arrests five
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Five suspects arrested, two released under TIR measures.
- 216 g of ecstasy, over 500 g of hashish and 352 g of fake cocaine seized.
- Four real firearms, three replicas and military‑calibre ammunition were found and destroyed.
On Thursday, 22 April 2024, Portugal’s Public Security Police (PSP) carried out the “Colombiana” operation in the municipalities of Funchal and Santa Cruz on the island of Madeira. The raid targeted a drug‑trafficking cell that had been supplying recreational substances to night‑life venues for at least two years.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five men aged between 21 and 41, who are Portuguese nationals and citizens of South American countries. Police also identified seven additional suspects and executed 31 search and seizure warrants, 14 of which were residential.
Authorities seized 400 ecstasy tablets (totaling 216.13 grams, equivalent to 2,161 individual doses), more than 500 grams of hashish, and 352 grams of an unidentified product marketed as cocaine – enough for roughly 1,800 doses. Four firearms, three replica weapons, assorted ammunition, 11 mobile phones and a military‑calibre anti‑air munition were also confiscated; the latter was destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
Two of the five detainees were released under a Term of Identity and Residence (TIR) measure while the remaining three await judicial appearance. PSP said the operation represents a major result of its criminal investigation work in Madeira, removing significant quantities of drugs and weapons and disrupting a network that had operated for at least two years.
Sources
PSP desmantelou rede de tráfico na Madeira com cinco detidos