Blow to Smugglers on Algarve Coast: Huge Fuel Shipment Caught in Aljezur

Those calm, postcard bays of the Algarve can sometimes be the scene of very different activities behind the scenes. In particular, points such as Aljezur, known for its wild nature and jagged coastline, can be turned into strategic supply bases for speedboats cruising the open sea. Fortunately, this time the coast guard teams stepped in just in time and destroyed a large logistics network.

The Coastal and Border Control Unit of the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) was immediately alerted to suspicious movements and a high-speed boat caught on the radar while conducting routine coastal surveillance off the coast of Carrapateira. With coordinated pursuit launched from both land and air, the operation was expanded to the Porto de Abrigo dos Fornos side.

270 Canisters of Gasoline Seized

During the raid, a giant fuel tank of 6,750 liters was discovered, which was determined to be prepared to feed the international drug traffic on the open sea. In addition to 270 portable canisters of gasoline, three minibuses, a 4x4 off-road vehicle and a mobile phone used for transportation were seized.

A 58-year-old person was detained as an official suspect (arguido) in connection with the incident and was released on condition of judicial control, and the process was taken to court.

GNR teams continue to tighten their controls along the southern coast to cut off such coastal supply lines, which are considered the lifeblood of offshore drug shipments.

Source: GNR

Image Source: GNR