17 arrested during Afro Nation policing operation in Portimão

Police arrested 17 people during a large-scale security operation carried out over the three days of the Afro Nation festival in Portimão, where an estimated 40,000 people attended each day.

According to the PSP, those arrested were suspected of offences including drug trafficking, drink-driving and driving without a licence, while officers also detected drug consumption offences and “irregularities” involving commercial activities near Praia da Rocha.

The operation focused on maintaining public safety across the city during one of the Algarve’s busiest weekends of the year, with reinforced patrols covering public spaces, residential and commercial areas, nightlife hotspots and the main access roads to Praia da Rocha. The police operation did not extend inside the festival grounds.

The PSP Faro District Command said the increased police presence helped ensure Portimão remained calm throughout the event, with no significant public order incidents reported.

The PSP added that preliminary figures show 36 property crimes were recorded during the festival period, compared with 80 during the same weekend last year, although the force noted that the figures could still change as victims continue to report offences.

The force thanked residents, businesses and partner organisations for their cooperation, saying the operation achieved its objectives of maintaining public safety and reinforcing the sense of security for residents and visitors alike.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.