GNR clamp down on drugs at nightlife hotspots

GNR police announced the arrest last weekend of eight men, aged between 19 and 35, for drug trafficking in popular nightlife spots in Albufeira and Vilamoura.

The men were caught during an operation designed to fight drug dealing in nightlife settings, with a special focus on Vilamoura Marina and bars and nightclubs in Albufeira, a GNR source told Lusa news agency.

With the arrival of Portugal’s beach season, which means more tourists, the GNR are ramping up action against “this type of crime near nightlife establishments”.

As the quantity of drugs confiscated was considered “low” – 210 doses of cocaine, 30 doses of hashish, nine of cannabis and 1.8 grams of MDMA – the suspects will await trial in freedom, albeit bound by Portugal’s ‘Termo de Identidade e Residência’ regime, which means they cannot leave the country and must report periodically to a police station.

GNR will continue their fight against drug trafficking in nightlife hotspots where “this type of crime is expected to increase” as more tourists arrive in the Algarve.

By Michael Bruxo
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