In a statement, the PJ indicates that as part of the “Pacoba” operation, a highly organised criminal group was dismantled, which was dedicated to introducing large quantities of cocaine onto the European continent.

“The final result of operation ‘Pacoba’ resulted in the arrest of seven suspects (four Portuguese citizens, two Colombians and one Moroccan), the seizure of 1,478.5 kilograms (kg) of cocaine, three firearms, large amounts of money, several light and heavy vehicles and in the dismantling of the laboratory”, says the PJ.

The detainees, aged between 29 and 56, will be presented to the competent judicial authority for the purpose of the first judicial interrogation and application of coercive measures.

The PJ says that the investigation began following the exchange of information within the scope of international cooperation and in close collaboration and coordination with the police and judicial authorities of Colombia (National Police), Spain (National Police) and the United States (DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration, HSI - Homeland Security Investigations and CBP - Customs and Border Protection).

Subsequently, in May this year, the PJ's National Unit to Combat Drug Trafficking seized 986 kilos of cocaine, transported in a maritime container from Colombia and which entered national territory through the Port of Setúbal.

According to the PJ, around 20 tons of bananas were transported inside the container, and the drugs were hidden at the bottom of the cardboard boxes where the fruit was packed.

“During the course of the investigation carried out by the PJ, it was possible to identify those responsible for importing the cocaine, and it was also possible to identify other suspects”, the note said.

As part of the investigation, 20 home and non-domestic search and seizure warrants were issued by the competent judicial authorities, as well as four arrest warrants.

In one of the warehouses, the target of the searches carried out, an industrial laboratory was in operation, inside which around 460 kg of already processed cocaine and 32.5 kg in the process of transformation were seized.

There were three men working at the scene who were arrested.

Two firearms, a press, various laboratory equipment, large quantities of chemicals and a large amount of cash were also seized, according to the PJ.