Speaking to Lusa agency, the director of the National Unit to Combat Narcotics Trafficking (UNCTE), Artur Vaz, explained that last year the PJ became aware of a container that had arrived in Porto with 170 kilos of cocaine, starting an investigation at the time.

Following this information, the investigation reached six suspected members of the criminal organization that was dedicated to the introduction of large quantities of cocaine in Europe, by sea.

In the last few days, the PJ managed to locate, in Porto, another container, which was transported to a warehouse in the north of the country. It was there that the authorities finally realized that the container was carrying 400 kilos of cocaine hidden in a false floor.

The six suspects, aged between 38 and 54 years old and of Portuguese, Spanish, Colombian and Dominican nationality, ended up in detention and will be present to the competent authorities for the application of appropriate enforcement measures.

“Operation Alçapão” is the responsibility of the PJ's UNCTE and has the support of the Northern Directorate, the Braga Criminal Investigation Department and the Tax and Customs Authority.