PD believes that direct contacts with South American drug traffickers have made him one of the main suppliers of cocaine to Pasteleira Nova and Cerco, as well as to other “drug markets” in the North and beyond. In October, after Porto police seized 100kg of coca and detained four suspects in the port of Leixões, the 38-year-old businessman fled to the South American country. He returned last week and was detained by police. Wednesday, close to home. The suspect was already under police surveillance. He lived in an apartment in Porto with his partner and children. The couple owned several houses and shops, but human trafficking was their most profitable business. He joined international gangs and led a group suspected of importing cocaine. It had extensive logistics capabilities, including a structure to move drugs from merchant ships or inside ports. This will be linked to two major cocaine seizures at the port of Leixões last year. He is considered violent, especially towards other drug dealers. The police seized two weapons and a ballistic vest from him.
The suspect, who was present at the first interrogation, was placed in preventive detention.
Also this Thursday, Porto police announced the arrest of two other suspected drug traffickers, aged 34 and 52, caught at Porto airport with 38 kg of cocaine from Brazil hidden among construction products.