High-speed boat operation off the coast of Tejo: 11 people detained

Portuguese security forces detained 11 people on the boat during an operation carried out on a high-speed boat in the region where the Tejo River opens to the Atlantic. The operation follows security operations centered around high-speed boats, large amounts of fuel and suspected drug smuggling off the Portuguese coast in recent days.

According to the information provided by Autoridade Marítima Nacional to Lusa, the operation was carried out at the entrance of the Tejo estuary. Polícia Judiciária also confirmed the investigation into the operation.

The boat was taken to Sesimbra

There were 11 people on the high-speed boat stopped by the authorities, and all of them were detained.

The boat was then taken to Sesimbra under the control of security forces.

Polícia Judiciária reported that information about the incident is still being collected and details of the operation will be announced later.

Therefore, at this stage, a confirmed amount has not been disclosed as to how much drugs were found on the boat or whether drugs were seized.

Recently, operations have been carried out repeatedly on the coasts.

The incident comes on the heels of other operations off the coast of Portugal in recent days.

On September 14, in Trafaria, GNR seized approximately 1,500 liters of fuel and a boat.

In Albufeira, nine people were detained on suspicion of aiding drug trafficking; 100 fuel canisters, a vehicle, a drone on the beach and phones were seized.

The possibility of using large amounts of fuel in long-distance operations of high-speed boats is one of the factors that security forces are focusing on.

However, there is no official confirmation at this stage that the latest operation in Tejo is connected to the same criminal network as the previous incidents.

11 people have not been convicted yet

Details about the legal status of the people detained during the operation will become clear as a result of the PJ investigation.

Detention does not mean that people are found guilty. The possible charges of the suspects and the protective measures to be implemented will be determined after the evaluation of the judicial authorities.

Resources

Observador / Lusa — 17 September 2026

https://observador.pt/2026/09/17/trafico-de-droga-lancha-rapida-apanhada-na-barra-do-estuario-do-tejo-com-11-pessoas/

GNR — Trafaria operation — 14 September 2026

https://www.gnr.pt/noticias.aspx