GNR seizes more than 1.3 tons of hash in the Ria Formosa

This weekend, the GNR seized more than 1.3 tons of hashish in a Ria Formosa creek, with an estimated total value of 2.5 million euros.

In a statement, the GNR indicates that the Olhâo Coastal Control Unit (UCC) seized the drugs haul on Sunday, as part of an action of surveillance, control and patrolling of the coast and territorial sea, in particular to combat international drug trafficking.

The GNR explains that the Integrated Command and Control Surveillance System (SIVICC) detected, during the night, two vessels with suspicious movements off the Barreira Islands.

“In view of the suspicions raised, the Maritime Patrol and Interception Teams were immediately activated, in order to approach the suspicious vessels”, explains the GNR, adding that the military ended up detecting 40 bales of hash floating in a wake from Ria Formosa, suspected to have been dropped and abandoned by one of the previously detected vessels.

In total, 1,370 kilos of hashish were seized, with an estimated total value of 2,500,000 euros.

Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/