Portugal’s PJ criminal police have seized 556 kilograms of cocaine in the Porto area and arrested one man as part of an investigation into an organised crime group importing drugs in shipping containers.
The operation was carried out following an investigation launched in July 2025, which police say enabled detectives to identify a drug-importation structure based in northern Portugal.
According to the PJ, the investigation ultimately led officers to “dismantle the entire infrastructure of the organised crime group”.
The cocaine was being imported using containerised maritime transport, although police have not disclosed where the drugs originated or given further details about the route used.
“The investigation is part of the continuing effort that the Polícia Judiciária has been developing, in cooperation with authorities in other countries, to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs into Portuguese territory and also into the European area,” the PJ said in a statement released on Friday.
The man arrested during the operation is due to appear before a judge for a first judicial hearing, when any coercive measures will be decided.
Police have not released further information about his age or nationality.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.