Cape Verde Police Dismantle Major Drug Trafficking Ring Operating for Over 15 Years

Cape Verde's Criminal Investigation Directorate (DCIC), through its Central Section for Narcotrafficking and Organized Crime Investigation (SCITECO), has dismantled a significant drug trafficking network that had allegedly been operating for over 15 years. The operation, named SHARK, involved 12 home search warrants executed in the Fazenda, Palmarejo, Craveiro Lopes, and Plateau neighborhoods of Praia. Twelve suspects, comprising eight men and four women aged between 22 and 92, were arrested. Some arrests were made in flagrante delicto, while others occurred outside of this legal context. Investigations suggest the group was responsible for distributing cocaine throughout Cape Verde, with a primary focus on the capital city, Praia. Many of the arrested individuals are repeat offenders with prior convictions for similar crimes. A prominent local figure, described by investigators as the alleged "baron" and "dinosaur" of drug trafficking in the country, was among those detained. During the searches, authorities seized 1.1627 kilograms of cocaine, drug preparation materials, two precision scales, and drug consumption paraphernalia. Financial assets totaling 2,048,269 Cape Verdean escudos and 770 euros were also confiscated, with their illicit origins under investigation. The operation further resulted in the seizure of 25 vehicles, including taxis and luxury cars, four motorcycles, a jet ski, three bicycles, gold and silver items, multiple mobile phones, two shotguns, and various ammunition. All detainees have been presented to judicial authorities for initial questioning and await the imposition of coercive measures. The Police Judiciária considers this operation a major blow to a criminal structure with national and international reach, interrupting a long-standing illicit operation.