Four arrested after police intercept speedboat off Algarve coast

Vessel carrying 4,000 litres of fuel and equipment linked to organised crime was stopped following overnight pursuit

Four people were arrested after Maritime Police intercepted a high-speed boat carrying around 4,000 litres of fuel during an overnight operation off the eastern Algarve coast.

The vessel was stopped in the early hours of this Monday morning (June 22) during a joint maritime patrol operation in the waters off a stretch of coast between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira, according to Portugal’s National Maritime Authority (AMN).

Authorities said the maritime police force pursued and intercepted the speedboat before discovering approximately 4,000 litres of fuel on board, along with equipment commonly associated with the logistical support of drug-trafficking vessels and other forms of transnational organised crime.

Four suspects – a Portuguese national, a Spaniard, a Brazilian and a Venezuelan – were detained during the operation.

The speedboat and fuel were seized and investigators have launched a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s activities.

In a statement, the AMN said Maritime Police officers carried out evidence-gathering procedures following the interception and that the case has been referred to the competent judicial authorities.

No further details have been released regarding potential charges or the destination of the vessel.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.