GNR seize 1,100 litres of medronho in Silves

The GNR have seized 1,100 litres of aguardente de medronho (Arbutus brandy) in Silves as part of an operation targeting the illegal production and sale of the traditional Algarve spirit.

The seizure was carried out on June 30 by the GNR’s Fiscal Action Unit (UAF), through its Faro detachment, under Operation ARBUTUS VIII.

According to the GNR, officers executed one house search warrant and one non-residential search warrant as part of an investigation into parallel circuits for the production and commercialisation of medronho.

A 51-year-old man was identified during the operation, with the case referred to the Judicial Court of Silves.

The seized spirit has an estimated commercial value of around €22,000. Authorities say its possible illegal sale would have caused the Portuguese State an estimated loss of €24,500 in VAT and alcohol duties.

Operation ARBUTUS has been running in the Algarve since 2022 and focuses on tax and customs offences linked to the production, circulation and sale of aguardente de medronho.

Since the operation began, the GNR have seized 19,087 litres of medronho. The latest action follows Operation ARBUTUS VII, carried out in Loulé in May, which led to the seizure of 821 litres.

The GNR stressed that medronho is not only subject to specific tax obligations but is also a traditional product with economic, cultural and regional significance in the Algarve.

Authorities say tackling illegal supply chains helps protect legal producers, safeguard fair taxation and preserve the reputation of certified production, including Medronho do Algarve IGP.

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident