Genuine drug stalls at the entrance to buildings in the Cruz Vermelha area of Alta de Lisbon, where hundreds of users, residents “kidnapped” by drug dealers, go at any time of the day, and increased insecurity in the area. This was the scenario that led the PSP into the mega operation in the area at dawn this Wednesday. The searches extended to Odivelas and Amadora and ended with 16 detainees and thousands of doses of cocaine, hashish and heroin. Three firearms were also seized. According to the PSP, “These suspects were responsible for operating direct-to-consumer kiosks, for the possession and distribution of drugs at points of sale, and for significantly affecting the sense of security of some residents.” The detainees were caught sleeping at home at 5:00 a.m. by members of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Operational Intervention Corps and were unable to respond. They are charged with drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons. They are due in court this Thursday.