GNR seizes 1,500 kilos of hashish and a boat in Ria Formosa

The Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) of the National Republican Guard (GNR), through the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment, seized around 1,500 kilos of hashish and a vessel in the Ria Formosa, in the municipality of Olhão.

During a patrol and surveillance operation along the coast by the Maritime Patrol Section of that Subunit, with the support of the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC), the Guard's military personnel detected suspicious movements south of Armona Island, through SIVICC.

Following the action, the maritime team was immediately called, which intercepted and seized a vessel already inside the Ria Formosa, with 20 bales of burlap containing hashish and 20 jerrycans, with the suspects on board fleeing on foot, upon realizing the presence of the GNR vessel.

The facts were reported to the Olhão Judicial Court.

The GNR Coastal and Border Control Unit, within the scope of its specific competence, carries out surveillance, patrolling and interception actions on land or sea throughout the coast and territorial waters of the mainland and the Autonomous Regions.

The intensification of surveillance and patrols along the coastline by the UCCF has helped combat the threat of international drug trafficking, preventing the introduction of narcotics into the market in Portugal and, consequently, in Europe.