In a statement, the GNR indicated that the operation took place in the vicinity of Almargem and Gaivota beaches, in Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé, after suspicious movements were detected in that area and a high-speed vessel (EAV) was identified through the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC).

The Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF), through the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment, mobilised land, sea, and air resources to monitor the movements and prevent possible criminal offences, the security force said.

During the operation, the military confirmed "suspicious movements near the two beaches," carrying out surveillance and raids on the ground that allowed them to locate and seize various materials "presumably related to drug trafficking activities."

According to the GNR, a semi-rigid boat, 291 jerrycans containing approximately 7,275 litres of gasoline, a CCTV camera, and various mechanical materials were seized.

The GNR reminds the public that it maintains permanent surveillance of the Portuguese coast, reinforcing its operational capacity to prevent and combat cross-border crime, particularly drug trafficking and other illicit activities associated with the maritime route.

This year, the police authorities, GNR, Maritime Police, and Judicial Police, seized approximately 1,500 jerrycans and more than 25,000 litres of fuel in the Algarve in operations allegedly related to logistical support for maritime drug trafficking.