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Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 28th June 2023

Yesterday I was discussing with an environment engineer the issue of rural fire preparedness under the context of climate change adaptation, my view being that there were short term measures and those that would take far longer to implement, and achieve the desired outcome. As far as the latter is concerned the issue of re-forestation was in my mind.

Coincidentally the Prime Minister warned yesterday that the structural reform of the forest is a “challenge for decades”, calling for time not to be wasted and defending that “everything that is done is a little step” to mitigate the risk of fire.

António Costa stressed that, “every year, the risk of fires increases with climate change”.

The Prime Minister referred that, if humanity manages to reach the targets set in the Paris Agreement – to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees until the end of the century -, the risk of forest fires in Portugal will, even so, increase six times.

For António Costa, “this is not a challenge that can be overcome this year, next year, it is a challenge for decades for the country to be able to structurally transform this forest”. “Now, when we say, ‘the challenge is for decades’, are we going to leave it for tomorrow? No, we have to accelerate today, because the more we do today, the faster we complete what can only be achieved at the end of the decade”, she stressed.

Costa said that if the structural transformation of the forest only starts in the 2030s, it will only be completed “by 2060”. “If we start now, we will start to have results in 2030, and we will have more results in 2040. Therefore, we cannot waste time”, he stressed.

The prime minister also added that “it is very important to have the means to fight fires”, but “it is much more important to prevent the risk of fire”.

To Safe Communities participation in the International wildfire Conference in May it was very clear that the focus is very much on preparedness which has indeed been our focus for some time. It is for example essential that everyone is aware if the rural fire risk, how the weather determines some aspects of the risk and what actions, we as individual can do to reduce the risk and impact such fires have on our environment and community.

Aware of the risks Safe Communities is stepping up our own actions in terms of building our own knowledge and enhancing our communications strategy in order to deliver more focused interaction with various communities. More of this shortly.

Over the last few days Portugal has begun to be affected by the smoke from the Canadian fires carry very fine particles. This is mainly at an altitude of over 1000 metres above ground so should not affect people’s health. This is confirmed by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) “clarified” yesterday that particle levels in mainland Portugal and the Azores “do not yet show” the influence, on the surface, of the cloud of smoke generated by the fires in Canada.  APA described Portugal mainland quality as “good” and the Azores as “very good”. We are monitoring this closely and if there is any worsening of the situation, we will let you know.

You may recall that in the fire in Odemira in 2021, large plumes of smoke travelled some 150 kilometres along the Algarve coast – in the case of Canada it is several thousand kilometres – giving an indicator of how intense and widespread these fire are. Again this sends a signal of the effects of climate change and as the planet becomes hotter such fires will become more common including in countries that have not experienced these “mega-fires” before.

Turning to crime prevention, with tourism increasing we would like to remind people of the importance of looking after your belongings. Please ensure you do not leave valuable items on display in cars and also ensure your home is secure when you go out. Portugal is generally a safe place, but there are criminals who look for opportunities to commit crime around. Let’s make it more difficult through adopting basic common sense precautions

Our team at Safe Communities, Susan, Antonia, Fernanda, Mike, Chris, Daniel and myself wish you a safe week ahead.

NEWS

Effects of fires in Canada still without influence on the mainland and Azores

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) clarified today that particle levels in mainland Portugal and the Azores “do not yet show” the influence, on the surface, of the cloud of smoke generated by the fires in Canada.

In a clarification, the APA refers that the levels of particles measured against the air quality index classes remain at ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’ in mainland Portugal and the Azores.

On Monday, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) indicated that the cloud of smoke particles from the fires in Canada had been affecting the Azores islands since Sunday, and should then extend to the mainland.

According to the IPMA, the concentrations of these pollutants are below established legal limits and, therefore, should not represent any threat to human health.

The APA explains today that it monitors, through the ‘QualAr’ system, the data measured continuously at all stations in the country, in almost real time.

“According to the data measured at the various stations in mainland Portugal and the Azores, there are, as of today, levels of particles that do not yet show the influence, at surface level, of the cloud of smoke from the fires in Canada, maintaining the order of magnitude of the levels measured within the ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’ air quality index classes”, states that agency.

The APA also mentions that, in the archipelago of Madeira, an episode of transport of particles and natural dust has been taking place since Monday, originating in arid regions of the deserts of North Africa, which continues today, however, “the measured levels did not exceed the limit value for the protection of human health and do not represent any problem for the health of the population”.

73-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of introducing drugs in Porto prisons

The suspect was found committing the crime at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison, in Matosinhos. Another woman was also detained, this time at the Paços de Ferreira Prison, under identical circumstances.

The Judicial Police (PJ) detained two women suspected of introducing drugs into two prisons in the district of Porto, through the delivery of narcotics to inmates during the visiting period, it was announced this Tuesday.

In a statement, the PJ states that it detained a 73-year-old woman when she was detected delivering “a small amount of cocaine” to an inmate at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison, in Matosinhos, during the visiting period.

The detainee, suspected of committing an aggravated crime of drug trafficking, will now be present for the first interrogation for the application of coercive measures deemed appropriate.

The PJ adds that, recently, another woman was arrested, this time in the Prison of Paços de Ferreira, under identical circumstances.

The detainee, who on Monday saw preventive detention applied to her as a coercive measure, “managed to hand over to an inmate, her son, several drugs”, namely about 40 grams of heroin, 25 grams of hashish and a product suspected to be synthetic cannabinoids.

“The variety and quantity of the products in question indicate that they were intended for later sale inside the prison”, says the PJ.

In both cases, the PJ had the collaboration of the Prison Guard corps of the General Directorate of Reinsertion and Prison Services. 

Chega has been a common vector for more radical far-right movements – Report

Newsroom, Jun 27, 2023 (Lusa) – A US report considers that Chega has been a common vector for “more radical movements of the Portuguese extreme right”, comparing the party to groups such as the ‘Proud Boys’ or the ‘Hammerskins ‘.

The report, prepared by the Global Project against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), from the United States, identifies 13 “hate and extremist groups” in Portugal, including Chega and Ergue-te, but also neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements such as the ‘Portugal Hammerskins’ or the ‘Proud Boys Portugal’.

In this universe, Chega is the one who dominates “increasingly” the Portuguese extreme right, indicates the report, which stresses that the party has “worked to poison the national discourse with racist, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigration and anti-gypsy rhetoric”.

“Chega, which superficially resembles typical far-right populist parties across Europe, is also the common vector for more radical movements on the Portuguese far right, including nationalists, identitarians, conspiracists, white supremacists, Salazar nostalgics, Christian nationalists and others who support authoritarianism,” it reads.

The report states that, during the pandemic, “extreme right-wing conspiracy and anti-government movements” flourished in Portugal which, with the end of the health crisis, are passing into the orbit of parties such as Chega and Ergue-te.

It is added that, over the years, Chega “had among its ranks many white supremacists, identity and neo-Nazis”.

In this context, the report considers that the rise of the party led by André Ventura “was accompanied by a significant increase in hate speech and street mobilization by the extreme right”, citing a memo from the Commissioner of the Council of Europe for Human Rights that indicates that there is an “alarmingly high” level of violence against women in Portugal, as well as an increase in “racially motivated hate crimes”.

The report also points out that there is an ongoing “trend of internationalization” in the Portuguese extreme right, with the reproduction of popular conspiracy theories in foreign movements of the radical right.

 

The Azores Situation Report Wednesday 28th June 2023

SATA Air Açores plane struck by lightning.

The Azorean airline revealed this Friday that a SATA Air Açores plane was struck by lightning, which is why the company will have to reorganize the operation.

“As a result of lightning hitting a SATA Air Açores plane, for technical reasons the said aircraft will have to be inspected, so we inform you that today SATA Air Açores will have to reorganize the operation”, reveals the company in informative note.

It also adds that, given these circumstances, it is making every effort to re-accommodate passengers on alternative connections, as soon as possible and in accordance with the availability of seats that present themselves at any given time.

Effects of Canadian fires affect Azores since Sunday

The cloud of smoke particles from the fires in Canada has been affecting the Azores islands since Sunday and should extend to the mainland in the next few hours, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).

In a statement, the IPMA says that the concentrations of these pollutants are below established legal limits and, therefore, should not represent any threat to human health.

According to the institute, this cloud is “made up of very small particles and gases (especially carbon monoxide) resulting from the fires that have affected the territory of Canada over the last few weeks”.

“According to simulations of the prediction model of the CAMS service (Copernicus program), this cloud appears to be confined above 1,100 meters in altitude and therefore should not affect populations below this level”, he indicates.

However, the Institute points out that this cloud should cause a reduction in the visibility and brightness of the Sun, as well as the blue tone of the sky.

The IPMA recalls that the forest fires that have been plaguing Canada for weeks have emitted significant amounts of gases and particles into the atmosphere that are transported and dispersed by the winds.

“A cyclonic circulation, associated with a depression centered northwest of the Azores, will have promoted the large-scale transport of these pollutants, mainly carbon monoxide, along the North Atlantic, having reached the Azores region last Tuesday, 13th of June”, says the Institute.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 28th June 2023

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all. We start this report by reiterating the advice we have been giving out on our facebook page with regards to the heatwave and how important it is to stay hydrated whether you are active outside or inside your houses. The same advice is for any pets you may have as this weather can quickly cause dehydration in many of our pets. Our website has a number of hints on how best to keep cool and you can view at this link. https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/find-information/environment-and-weather/sun-and-temperature-extremes/?fbclid=IwAR2Q_RQ1G5xULYEEoQdC6t7UHySaEzbDyfIf71CsqF_LF7HhXtzcXOtIeVM

With the hot dry weather and a prevailing wind the chances of rural fires are very high, and a number of areas in the Algarve have been placed on the Red Alert,  so again please make sure that if you see smoke or flames call 112. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.

In addition we now have the Sahara Dust to contend with as well as some areas seeing the fallout from the big fires in Canada so if you have family who have poor lung capacity then make sure they are well prepared with masks or inhalers.

Now let’s have a look at some of the stories which have been making the news in the Algarve in the past week.

Man Dies After Falling Into the Sea in Olhao

A 51-year-old man died on the afternoon of Monday, June 26, after falling into difficulty in the water, in front of the Municipal Market of Olhão, announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at 17:34 by the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center and elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Olhão and a vessel from the Lifeguard Station of Olhão were activated for the location.

When the security and emergency forces arrived at the scene, the victim had already been pulled out of the water by a member of the public who was in the area and was assisted by the Olhão Municipal Firefighters and the Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle, who carried out resuscitation manoeuvres .Since it was not possible to reverse the situation, death was declared on the spot by the doctor and the body was later transported to the Medical-Legal Office in Faro, after contact with the Public Ministry.

The Olhão Maritime Police Local Command took care of the occurrence.

Man Dies in Collision Between Car and Train near Olhao

A man aged around 80 died on Friday, June 23, after a collision between a light vehicle and a train in Fuseta , in the municipality of Olhão , said a Civil Protection source.

Train circulation on the Algarve Line was still cut off at 21:45 due to the accident.

The alert for the incident was given at 20:00 and resulted in the death of the driver of the light vehicle, a man aged around 80, said a source from the Algarve Sub-regional Command.On site were elements of firefighters from Olhão, INEM, GNR and Infrastructures of Portugal, a total of 14 operational, supported by six vehicles.

Man Arrested In Loule on Suspicion of Murder of his Wife

A man was detained for killing his wife at home in Loulé , having stayed with the corpse all night until he turned himself in to the authorities, the day after the crime, informed the Judiciary Police ( PJ ).

In a statement, the PJ adds that the 34-year-old man attacked the 29-year-old woman with a bladed weapon on Tuesday, June 20, causing injuries “the severity of which determined her death, which occurred inside the house”.

After having remained with the corpse all night, the aggressor went the next day to the GNR post to report the situation, after which he was detained by the PJ on suspicion of aggravated homicide. “The investigation carried out allowed the collection of relevant evidence, on the circumstances in which the crime occurred, as well as the formalisation of the arrest of the presumed author”, reads in the note.

The detainee will now be present at the Judicial interrogation for the application of coercive measures, the investigation being directed by the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Loulé.

Two Stowaways Arrested aboard a Merchant Ship off the Algarve Coast

Two undocumented people, who clandestinely entered Turkey aboard the merchant ship “Vestwind”, flying the Portuguese flag, were arrested off the coast of the Algarve, accused of breaching security, aggravated threat or illegal stay.

The detainees, aged 23 and 24, entered the ship on June 8, in the Port of Izmir, Turkey, and, since being detected, have shown “a non-cooperative attitude with the authority of the ship, starting to assume threatening behaviour against the crew”, disclosed the Judiciary Police (PJ), in a statement.

The action of this police force, in coordination with the National Maritime Authority (AMN), took place “following a request for help from the captain of the ship, who, together with the rest of the crew, were being victims of serious threats against their lives and against the safety of the vessel”. In Portuguese territorial waters, the authorities carried out “a wide range of acts of collection of evidence on the vessel”, which allowed the “indictment of the commission of crimes of attack on the safety of transport by water, illegal introduction in a place closed to the public, aggravated threat and illegal stay in national territory”.

A Portuguese Navy ship and the Tactical Actions Group of the Maritime Police, from the AMN, were involved in the boarding operation of the merchant ship “Vestwind”, in conjunction with the National Counter-Terrorism Unit of the PJ.

This police force also revealed that on the maritime route between Turkey and Portuguese territorial waters, the “ship’s commander requested successive requests for support and assistance, to proceed with the disembarkation of the two stowaways, steps that, despite being insistent, were not accepted, different countries”.

The detainees will be present at the first judicial interrogation for the application of coercive measures, deemed appropriate, at the Faro Criminal Investigation Court , the PJ also said.

Man Arrested for Attempted Murder in Portimao

A 25-year-old man was arrested in the act of committing the crime of attempted murder on Saturday, June 17, in Portimão , announced the Public Security Police (PSP).

In the early hours of Saturday, next to a nightlife establishment, several individuals exchanged aggression and one of them struck a knife in the lung area of ​​one of those present. The Rapid Intervention Team was immediately called to the scene, which with the help of locals located the suspect and collected the evidence of the crime.

The detainee was present at the first judicial interrogation on Tuesday, June 20, and he was decreed the coercive measure of preventive detention, with the possibility of changing it to an obligation to stay in the house.

Four Arrested for Theft of Catalytic Converters  in Portimao

On Monday afternoon, the PSP caught four suspects, in full swing of criminal activity, stealing the catalytic converter from a vehicle in Portimão.

After reports of a group of suspects operating in the western Algarve, stealing catalytic converters from vehicles, the Portimão Criminal Investigation Station triggered surveillance actions in the areas normally most affected by this criminal practice, and caught four men, aged between 19 and 30 years old, red handed.

The suspects were detained, and after investigation the authorities seized five catalysts, from thefts committed by the suspects in Portimão, Lagoa and Silves. Various material used in criminal activities was also apprehended, namely a hydraulic jack and other tools intended for cutting vehicle components.

Authorities also seized 103 doses of cocaine that were in the possession of the suspects.

Road Collision Leaves 6 Injured near Faro

A collision involving four light vehicles yesterday evening, next to the Prison in Faro, caused six people to be injured, one of them seriously.

The alert for the accident was given at 19:43 yesterday evening, with a total of a total of 25 emergency crew from the Faro firefighters, Red Cross and INEM being dispatched. A 25 year old woman who was seriously injured was transported to Faro hospital, as were the other 5 involved in the collision, who were less severely injured.

Thank you for reading and have a safe and enjoyable week.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 21ST June 2023

Good morning – A new report on drought in the western Mediterranean reveals the extent of the water shortage hitting the region. The severe drought is reducing soil moisture and river flows, and stunting plants and crops during their crucial growing season.

Although in the north of Portugal there has been a moderate amount of rain very little has been experienced in the south this year so far. A new report by the Copernicus Global Drought Observatory makes sombre reading.

It states that most of the western Mediterranean is now under warning and alert conditions (the two most severe levels) according to the combined drought indicator, which integrates data on rainfall, soil moisture and vegetation stress anomalies to map drought hazards.

The lack of water has significantly affected vegetation and crops in the middle of the growing season, leading to delayed sowing and low yield forecasts. Severe vegetation stress (for example failed crops and smaller fruits) was recorded across the Iberian Peninsula (except for northern Portugal), northern Africa, and central-southern France.

It adds, based on the present drought situation and predictions, that if widespread warmer-than-averages temperatures and the lack of rain continue, the situation could become more critical still.

The JRC scientists also note that next summer currently has a high risk of water resources reaching a critical state, making it important to closely monitor the situation and plan and implement water management and drought adaptation measures in the region.

In other words if the situation in the south of Portugal continues then we could well see more restrictions in place. It would be speculation to suggest what these maybe beyond that already announced, but it is known that some “private householder boreholes” have dried up meaning that householders need to seek alternative water supplies. For those in rural areas often this means purchasing water, delivered by water trucks – but where do they get their water from – answer often boreholes!!

This illustrates the importance of firstly conserving water; having extensive lawns with irrigation systems is something that is not conducive to the economic use of water! For those moving to Portugal, how many people consider water supply? Unless you are going to live in a town, for those choosing rural areas without a direct water supply, then in our view it is best not to take it for granted that a constant water supply will always be available to a level that may fit your needs, This especially so if you wish to have a swimming pool, irrigation etc.  Something to think about – but more importantly plan for!

With the summer season upon us and with the recently announced Safe Summer reinforcement measures in place by the security forces (15th June to 15th September), it is important, that we do not let our guard down concerning the safeguarding of our property. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with a relatively low “reported” crime level, but this has not come about by accident. This because of the crime prevention programs in place both by the police and organisations such as Safe Communities, which help create public awareness and a reminder to look after your possessions.

Speaking with police here is Lisbon and the Algarve recently, it was clear that opportunist crime and theft from vehicles are two of the highest crimes, but are easiest to prevent. If people left vehicles on display in vehicles and their windows opened in their houses when unoccupied, we would quickly end up with a spiralling level of crime, which would deter investors moving here as well as tourists.

With that our Editorial team: Susan, Mike, Chris, Daniel and I wish you a safe week ahead. Take care with the increasing temperatures.

News

Ceremony honouring the victims takes place on the 27th at the memorial in Pedrógão Grande

Porto de Mós, Leiria, 20 June 2023 (Lusa) – The tribute ceremony for the victims of the 2017 fires will take place on the 27th, at 5:00 pm, next to the memorial in Pedrógão Grande, the president of the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Leiria (CIMRL).

“It is not exactly an inauguration, because the monument is already open. It will be a ceremony to visit the space and where tribute will be paid to the victims of the 2017 fires”, said Gonçalo Lopes, also mayor of Leiria, in Porto de Mós, where a meeting of intermunicipal communities is taking place today.

According to the president of CIMRL, the initiative will be attended by members of the Government, such as the Prime Minister, António Costa, and the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Ana Abrunhosa, mayors of the affected regions, the Association of Victims of the Fire of Pedrógão Grande, other entities linked to the social and associative area of ​​these councils, the author of the memorial, architect Souto Moura, and population.

The Memorial to the Victims of the 2017 Forest Fires, located next to National Road 236-1, in the Pobrais area, Pedrógão Grande, was opened on Thursday without any public ceremony honouring the victims of the June and October 2017 forest fires. The absence of state figures provoked criticism from various quarters.

Designed by the architect Souto Moura, the memorial, an investment of 1.8 million euros, includes a lake with an area of ​​around 2,500 square meters, fed by a gargoyle 60 meters long, bordered by a strip of plants consisting of white water lilies, lilies and buttercups.

According to Infraestruturas de Portugal, owner of the work, “the memorial also includes, as a fundamental piece, a wall with the inscription of the name of each of the 115 people who were victims of the forest fires of June and October 2017”.

Gonçalo Lopes said that the CIMRL is “finalizing a protocol with Infraestruturas de Portugal”, according to which that first entity will be “responsible for maintaining the monument”.

“Naturally, we are thus also involved in this important moment in which we now have increased responsibility in management”, he declared.

ChatGPT technology will manage 112 service in 2025

The project, which is still at an early stage, is based on technology that is still “very recent”, warns António Pombeiro. For this reason, there is a “need to do a lot of testing”, following a path that is “very unknown”.

Artificial intelligence based on ChatGPT technology will manage calls to 112 from 2025 onwards in times of congestion, the Deputy Secretary General of Internal Affairs, António Pombeiro, told journalists in Porto this Tuesday.

“In principle, if the pilot goes well, we are prepared for, from 2025, to start using” the system to answer calls, António Pombeiro told journalists this Tuesday, on the side lines of MAI Tech, a technology conference in the areas of security and civil protection, promoted by the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) in Porto.

The official warned that, for the time being, a pilot project was being worked on and it was “a very recent technology “, with the “need to carry out many tests “, admitting that for the time being “a lot of unknowns” were being examined.

“In certain situations we have waiting periods motivated by call congestion, this is when there are incidents or events that involve a lot of publicity, a lot of people visualizing what is happening, everyone has the initiative to call 112”, contextualized the António Pombeiro, giving the example of urban fires.

As the resources are ” sized for normal situations “, generating waiting times for calls that ” can reach five or six minutes “, the idea is ” to create a first interface that answers the call, evaluates what kind of problem it is whether you are dealing with and what kind of reporting ” is needed, but with ” a natural language response”.

According to the Deputy General Secretary for Home Affairs, ” the caller himself will not realize that he is talking to a system, a machine, a robot “, which will ” use the new ChatGPT technology “, which will still go through a testing period with simulated calls.

“The second player must always be a human. The system never takes the call to the end”, assured António Pombeiro, clarifying that the system will work “only in times of greater congestion”.

Asked whether the idea is to replace people, the Deputy Secretary General of Internal Affairs rejected it, saying that it involves “strengthening operational means “, since it is always necessary to have a human in the rear.

As for false calls (to deceive or for purposes other than emergencies), which he said were around 60%, “a very high number” that does not affect service, the person in charge said that this situation “already lacks a different learning “, but “it is also an objective”of the new project.

 

The Azores Situation Report Wednesday 21st June 2023

PJ seized in 2023 in the Azores drugs equivalent to 90% of the total for 2022.

The Judiciary Police seized in the Azores, in the first six months of the year, 78 kilos of drugs, mostly hashish, but also cocaine, heroin and synthetic substances, in an amount equivalent to 90% of the total for 2022, said the regional coordinator.

“In 2022, there was a very significant increase in seizures: 60% more than in 2021. In the first half of this year, we already seized an amount equivalent to 90% of last year’s total”, said the coordinator of the Judiciary Police (PJ).

In 2022 the security force seized more than 88 kilos of drugs in the region, enough for more than 216 thousand doses.

These substances were introduced into the Azorean archipelago “by air, through the postal circuit, and by sea, in the case of the importation of goods “, where the narcotic product may be concealed, and “through drug couriers by air”.

The coordinator said that “the seizure of hashish prevails”, the narcotic substance “most sought after and consumed” in the Azores, as well as in the national and international whole.

In the last three years, “a set of more than 53,000 doses of synthetic substances for consumption” in the region and which were imported were seized.

In 2023, a very significant amount of methamphetamine was also seized, close to 20,000 doses, an “ultra-potent synthetic drug that is also sold in the region”.

The official described that from 2019 there has been an increase in the level of seizures of these substances, especially methamphetamines that are even produced in the region, although “on a small scale”, in small laboratories located in homes.

Consumers resort to these new psychoactive substances (NSP) because “they are easy to buy” over the internet, with prices “lower than conventional drugs”, but which can have similar effects.

According to Renato Furtado, the problem “is not confined to Ponta Delgada”, but is found mainly in São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores.

“The north coast of São Miguel also has quite significant problems”, he pointed out.

Also, according to the official, “there has been some increase in violent crime in recent years”, starting in 2019, and “almost half of the perpetrators of these crimes were drug users in the Azores”.

Renato Furtado underlined that the PJ in the archipelago focuses on the entry points for drugs in the region, by air and sea.

“We know that the region is a crossing point for large amounts of narcotics destined for the European continent. This is also our concern, as well as entry via postal circuit”, he maintained.

At stake, he underlined, is a global, regional and local phenomenon: “There has been a significant increase in seizures of different types of drugs everywhere – in Portugal [at national level] and also in the Azores.”

Also, the intendant of the Regional Command of the PSP Ruben Medeiros told Lusa that that police force has seen, since 2020, “an increase in the quantities of material seized, specifically the so-called synthetic drugs and NSP”, imported.

“We are not talking about astronomical amounts, but there has been an upward trend in the amounts seized by the PSP, with a higher prevalence on the island of São Miguel of consumption and small-scale trafficking”, he said, in an interview with Lusa.

Asked about drug trafficking in some places of great movement of people, in the city of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, the official assured that the PSP “focuses greater preventive and repressive attention on these areas”.

“The phenomenon can be overcome, but it appears that there is a transfer to another location. The PSP is attentive to criminal dynamics, both in terms of schedules and in terms of geographic space and acts”, he reinforced.

Ruben Medeiros admitted that drug use can lead to the practice of a certain type of crime, namely theft or violence.

Incident between a car and a SATA plane in Ponta Delgada

An incident with a vehicle from the catering company, during the operation of refuelling an aircraft, at Ponta Delgada airport, caused the temporary immobilization of the Azores Airlines aircraft.

This incident forced the airline to reorganize its air operations, raising the possibility of cancelling some of the planned flights.

Tennis player Novak Djokovic on vacation in the Azores

Serbian Novak Djokovic, considered by many to be one of the best tennis players of all time, is on vacation on the island of São Miguel, along with his wife, Jelena Djokovic.

 

The Algarve Report Wednesday 21 June 2023

by Mike Evans

With the IPMA releasing a report showing the drought  situation worsened in mainland Portugal in the month of May, with the entire mainland in drought, 35% of which in severe and extreme drought, The Algarve municipalities put forward plans to reduce the amount of water we all use. At the same time we are told that temperatures in the South are due to rise further with a possible maximum of 42 degrees in some areas. according to meteorologist Maria João Frada. Speaking to Lusa, the meteorologist from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) said that the rise in temperatures will be “very significant”, above average for the time of year, and should remain at least until the 27th of June.

The climate bulletin of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) for the month of May states that there has been an increase in the area in drought, with the entire territory in a situation of meteorological drought.

The IPMA highlights the increase in the moderate drought class in the North and Center regions, in the South region and some places in the Tagus Valley in the severe and extreme drought classes and the decrease in the extreme drought class and increase in the severe drought class. “At the end of May, 35% of the territory was in severe and extreme drought (26% and 9% respectively) affecting especially the areas of Vale do Tejo, Alentejo and Algarve”, explains that institute.

According to IPMA, 25.3% of the territory is in mild drought, 39.4% in moderate drought, 26.3% in severe drought and 8.9% in extreme drought. The bulletin specifies, “the regions of Vale do Tejo, Baixo Alentejo and Algarve stand out with percentage values ​​of water in the soil below 10%, which in some places are already equal to the wilting point level permanent”.

The IPMA also indicates that the month of May in mainland Portugal was classified as very hot in terms of air temperature and very dry in terms of precipitation, having been the eighth hottest May since 1931.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere underlines that, of the 10 warmest months of May, seven occurred after 2000. The maximum air temperature in May was the tenth highest since 1931 with an average value of 24.55 degrees centigrade, almost four degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was the seventh highest since 2000 with an average value of 11.84 degrees, 1.34 degrees higher than normal value.

According to the IPMA, the total precipitation in May corresponded to 49% of the normal value, values ​​lower than those of this month occurred in 25% of the years, since 1931. The bulletin also mentions that, during the month of May, the period from 26 to 31 May is highlighted with the occurrence of showers, sometimes heavy, hail and accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the interior North and Center region. So whatever your plans for the next week or so make sure you are covered and remember to preserve water as much as possible.

Now a look at some of the stories from across the Algarve region in the past week.

Maritime Police Arrest Woman Setting a Fire in VRSA

The elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) detained this Thursday afternoon, June 15, a woman in flagrante delicto, while setting fire to it using a lighter in the forest of Monte Gordo , municipality of Vila Real de Santo António.

​Following a complaint “received by a popular person”, the National Maritime Authority informs, in a statement, that “elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António and the Fire Brigade of Vila Real of San Antonio”.

Upon arriving at the scene, members of the Maritime Police “approached a 36-year-old woman who was setting fire to various parts of the forest, using a lighter”.The suspect was detained at the premises of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António and will be present in court tomorrow, June 16.

The Judiciary Police and the Public Ministry were contacted. The Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António took care of the occurrence.

PJ Arrests Suspect of Sexual Abuse of Minors

The Judiciary Police, through the DIC of Portimão , identified and detained a man, aged 48, for the presumed authorship of several crimes of sexual abuse against children, perpetrated since the end of last year, in Portimão, that entity announced today.

The alleged crimes will have been “started when the victim turned 12 years old”, says the PJ in a statement.

“The facts took place in the suspect’s house, in the context of a family relationship of affinity and cohabitation with the victim”, continues the note. The signalling was carried out “at the beginning of this week”, and the PJ carried out “investigative steps that allowed the collection of relevant evidence and which culminated in the arrest of the accused”, can be read in the note.

The detainee will be present at the first judicial interrogation for the application of coercive measures deemed appropriate. The Inquiry is carried out by the Portimão Public Prosecutor’s Office. 

High-Speed Vessel Seized South of the Algarve Coast

The Portuguese Navy and the National Maritime Authority seized on Friday, June 16, in the south of Portugal, a high-speed vessel, linked to drug trafficking, without a crew and with 60 jerricans of fuel .

According to a statement from the Navy, the vessel was found during a joint operation by the two forces that took place in international waters south of the Portuguese coast.

During the operation, movements of “vessels suspected of being related to drug trafficking were monitored”, indicated the Navy. “A high-speed vessel was chased and another with 60 fuel jerry cans inside was found”, specified that branch of the Armed Forces, without indicating whether the chased vessel was boarded and seized.

According to the source, the approaches were carried out by a Maritime Police vessel, two Portuguese Navy ships and a vessel operated by Marines.

The seized vessel was towed to the port of Faro so that investigations could be carried out, concludes the note from the Portuguese Navy.

Unwell Man Assisted on Monte Gordo Beach

A 62-year-old man was helped on the beach of Monte Gordo , in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António , on the morning of Saturday, June 17, after feeling unwell, announced the National Maritime Authority.

The victim was rescued by elements of the “SeaWatch” project, after receiving the alert at 11:50 am through a popular call.

The project elements immediately went to the site in an Amarok vehicle, having found the victim conscious, indisposed, with low glucose levels and blood pressure values ​​above normal.The European Emergency Number (112) was immediately contacted, thus triggering the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila Real de Santo António, who transported the victim to a hospital unit.

French Man suffers Heart Attack at Beach 

A 69-year-old man of French nationality was assisted on Thursday, the 15th, after allegedly feeling unwell on the sand, going into cardiorespiratory arrest, at Praia da Barrinha, in the municipality of Faro , reported AMN .

“Following an alert received at 11:25 am, via the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisboa), informing that a person was in cardiac arrest on the beach at Barrinha beach, they were immediately activated for the location. elements of the “SeaWatch” project, from the Faro Maritime Police Local Command, as well as elements from INEM and the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Faro”, says the National Maritime Authority (AMN) in a statement.

The victim was assisted on site by elements of the “SeaWatch” project, in collaboration with elements from INEM, who carried out resuscitation manoeuvres “until the man was stable”. The victim was later transported by members of the Faro Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters to a hospital.

 

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 15th June 2023

By Daniel Fernandes

 

Parts of the promenade at Praia Formosa-Socorridos closed until June 16th

Parts of the promenade at Praia Formosa-Socorridos (Passeio Marítimo da Praia Formosa-Socorridos) are closed once again for repair work after the recent rain. Rock that are at risk of falling or that are loose are being removed in order to prevent rock falls and to protect those walking on the promenade.

Although parts of the promenade are closed, it is still possible to walk in both directions while repair work is being carried out. Visitors are asked to comply with all the existing restrictions to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the repair work.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2023/06/13/passeio-maritimo-com-areas-interditas-ate-16-de-junho-para-trabalhos-de-limpeza-da-escarpa/

Man arrested for drug trafficking in Câmara de Lobos

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) acted on a warrant and arrested a 39 years-old man in Câmara de Lobos for drug trafficking. The suspect had already been known for this offence. The Police apprehended several prohibited drugs such as: 9,1g of hashish (enough for 19 individual doses), 0,5g of heroin (enough for 5 individual doses), and 7900g of a substance thought to be “Gorbi Mix” (which has very nasty health consequences for those who take it).

In the current year alone, the Madeira Regional Command of the PSP has made 124 apprehensions and identified 146 people for drug trafficking and/or consumption, reinforcing its commitment to fight drug trafficking and protect public health.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2023/06/12/policia-deteve-homem-de-39-anos-em-camara-de-lobos-por-trafico-de-droga/

Water supply disruption

There will be a water supply disruptions in the Municipalities of Santana and Ribeira Brava, due to scheduled work to prevent water leaks in the supply network. These will take place at the following times:

– 14th & 15th June (14h00 to 18h00) – Parish of Santana (Achada da Cruz, Achada do Gramacho, Barreiro, Caminho Chão, Faias, Fonte Grande, Igreja, Pico, Pico Tanoeiro, Queimadas e Fontes, Serra de Água, Queimado)

– 14th June (14h00 to 18h00) – Parish of Ribeira Brava (Cruz, Lombo Cesteiro, Pico Banda d’Além)

https://funchalnoticias.net/2023/06/10/arm-intervem-na-remodelacao-das-redes-de-agua-em-santana-e-ribeira-brava/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. These cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:

 

FUNCHAL

June 15th – 23h00 to 24h00 & June 16th – 00h00 to 03h00

– Rua Câmara Pestana (numbers 14, 18 and 22)

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

June 16th – 08h30 to 12h30 & 13h30 to 16h30

– Rua Padre Pita Ferreira (partial)

– Caminho da Lourecinha (partial)

– Travessa do Lombo da Lourecinha

PORTO SANTO

June 1st – 09h00 to 09h10

– Porto dos Frades

PORTO SANTO

June 1st – 09h10 to 09h20

– Serra de Dentro

PORTO SANTO

June 1st – 09h20 to 09h30

– Serra de Fora

PORTO SANTO

June 1st – 11h30 to 12h00

– Pé do Pico

FUNCHAL

June 2nd – 09h00 to 11h30

– Caminho da Igreja (numbers 35 to 38)

– Caminho do Velho da Igreja (numbers 5 to 41)

– Beco do Largo da Fonte (numbers 5 to 11)

However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.

If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2023/06/14/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-052-2023/

 

 

Safe Communities Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 14th June 2023

 

Good morning: Our weekly report summaries a number of current topics.  Firstly – The GNR, as of June 19, as part of the annual planning carried out by RoadPol, will conduct an intensive monitoring operation targeted those driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances, aiming at promoting safer behaviour by drivers and reduce serious road accidents, throughout the continental national territory. Driving under the influence of alcohol or psychotropic substances is a risk factor that contributes to serious and fatal accidents.

On another topic we have learned that there have been a number of reports of fraud concerning the letting of holiday accommodation. We cannot emphasize enough the need to do proper research when booking a holiday villa especially if using social media. We recommend using established letting platforms such as Booking.Com or B&B which are generally more secure than advertisements offering a holiday let when it is more difficult to establish the integrity of the advertisement and indeed the advertiser. A simple mobile phone number or a Hotmail email address with little details may indicate a risk. Also if you are booking using a website take time to check the site has not been copied. Do the photos look original, do all the links work and are their verifiable contact details.

There has been in the news recently concern over the street selling of drugs often offered to tourists in some of Portugal’s main holiday destinations. In one of the articles the headlines stated that these were “drugs” but some way down in the same article these were stated that were “fake drug”. The same article criticised the police for lack of action against the sellers.

The truth of the matter is that these are mainly fake drugs often dried thyme leaves that the sellers describe as drugs and charge accordingly. It is not a crime under the current law to sell these and hence the police cannot take action. It may however be an administrative offence, but then this would fall on the councils depending on the area concerned.

This however is tarnishing Portugal’s image and we understand there are now moves to try and get this criminalised. It is also a concern in that the buyer could be unknowingly buying a harmful or even poisoning substance – so advice is the same if offered something claiming to be drugs – refuse!

Lastly yesterday I attended the “Algarve Seguro” reinforcement of PSP, GNR, SEF, INEM and Civil Protection resources for the region during the peak season of tourism, held at Regional Tourism Algarve.

This is the traditional presentation of the “Algarve Seguro” program which, once again, provides for a reinforcement of PSP, GNR, SEF, INEM and Civil Protection resources for the region during the peak season of tourism.

Also in attendance were President of ANEPC Duarte da Costa, National Director PSP Magina da Silva and General Commander GNR Tenente-General José Manuel Lopes dos Santos Correia and around 150 members of the security forces, civil protect, Algarve mayors, local government officials and Bombeiros.

With regard to Algarve Seguro, the minister said he expects the summer to be… “safe in the region”. In his speech, José Luís Carneiro also acknowledged the example of Safe Communities Portugal led “by David Thomas (who had been invited) in terms of good collaboration between foreign nationals and the government”.

Earlier in the day the Minister of Internal Administration, Josè Carneiro, accompanied by the Secretary of State, Patricia Gaspar, as well as the President of ANEPC, Duarte Costa, gave a speech to motivate the brave volunteers who decided to leave and support those in needs.

The task force is composed of elements from the Força Especial de Proteção Civil, of the GNR, of the ICNF, as well as of the fire department of the Central Region and Madeira.

A big round of applause for those who have left Safe Communities wishs them all a safe mission!

Our team at Safe Communities wishes you a good week ahead

News

Effects of the fires in Canada should reach Portugal from Sunday

Lisbon, June 14, 2023 (Lusa) – The gases and particles emitted by forest fires in Canada are expected to reach the Iberian Peninsula from Sunday, but without any threat to human health, the IPMA said today.

In a statement on the fires in Canada and the effects in Portugal, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere reports that the forest fires that have been plaguing Canada for weeks have emitted into the atmosphere “significant amounts of gases and particles that are transported and scattered by the winds”.

According to the IPMA, a cyclonic circulation, associated with a depression cantered northwest of the Azores, will have promoted the large-scale transport of these pollutants, mainly carbon monoxide, along the North Atlantic, which arrived in the Azores region last Tuesday. .

However, it states that “the concentrations of these pollutants are lower than the established legal limits and, therefore, should not represent any threat to human health”.

The IPMA advances that these pollutants will continue to be transported and should reach the Iberian Peninsula from Sunday, but in lower concentrations than in the Azores.

The IPMA also recalls that, last week, the Norwegian Institute for Environmental and Climate Research confirmed the presence of particles originating from the fires in Canada in air samples collected at the Birkenes Observatory, in southern Norway.

Portugal sent today to Canada a joint force made up of 140 operatives to help fight forest fires, which will intervene in the province of Quebec.

Thousands of firefighters from various countries around the world were fighting the 458 active fires in Canada today, with the province of Quebec being the most affected region.

Since the beginning of this year, considered unprecedented in terms of forest fires, more than 4.6 million hectares have burned in Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

The Algarve Situation Report 14 June 2023

 

by Mike Evans

 

Good day to you all across the Algarve and beyond. Despite the few days of rain we have seen in the past week or so the drought situation is still a very real occurrence as we move into the summer months. This week we saw AMAL, the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve promoting training actions on reducing water losses in the urban sector, and was aimed at the 19 management entities of the water supply systems in Baixa, more specifically municipalities and municipal companies. The initiative is part of a set of projects that the Intermunicipal Community has been carrying out within the scope of the Algarve Water Efficiency Plan, with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

This was the second training action promoted by AMAL, and took place in Faro , and is included in a contract established with the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC), in order to guarantee “the necessary support to the management entities in identifying the problems of management of urban water supply infrastructure, defining strategies to be implemented in the medium and long term, prioritising water supply subsystems and proposing measures to reduce real water losses”, says AMAL in a statement.

The Intermunicipal Community manages one of the various measures that make up the Algarve Water Efficiency Plan. This is Measure SM1 – Reducing water losses in the urban sector, which has an endowment of 35 million euros. In this context, it has been developing other actions, having, also in partnership with LNEC, carried out an in-depth study identifying the areas with the greatest potential for reducing water loss in the region and defining the measures to be taken. This study was completed in March last year and helps “to support the applications submitted by the management entities to benefit from this measure managed by AMAL”, continues the note.

In a first phase of submission of applications, 22 were selected, for an investment of 13.7 million euros, which is allowing “to intervene in 55 kilometres of water supply network in Baixa, with an estimated saving of more than 500 thousand m3 of water to natural systems”, he specifies.

The second Call for submission of applications, with an allocation of seven million euros, is currently in force and runs until the 16th of June, and is directed towards the implementation of Measurement and Control Zones, with the objective “to invest in the monitoring and active control of water losses in sections of the supply network”. According to AMAL, there will also be a third and final Notice of Applications, which is in preparation and should be launched “at the end of this month of June”. It will have an endowment of 14 million euros and will be focused on supporting investment in the renovation and rehabilitation of water supply networks in low waters, with high levels of real losses.

The Algarve Water Efficiency Plan foresees a global investment of 200 million euros, through funds from the PRR, is managed by the Portuguese Environment Agency and involves several entities. AMAL is in charge of implementing Measure SM1, which aims to intervene in 125 kilometres of water supply networks in downtown, contributing to a reduction of water losses in the urban sector of around two million m3.

Lest hope this helps alleviate the problem which could happen over the summer if nothing is done to ease the situation. We will kee you up to date on developments as we receive them.

Now a look at some of the other stories across the Algarve.

 

Navy Detects High-Speed Vessel Off The Algarve Coast

On Monday, the 12th, the frigate D. Francisco de Almeida, while surveying Portuguese territorial waters, detected a vessel “behaving suspiciously”, advanced the Portuguese Navy.

30 fuel jerry cans were also seized, which were dropped into the sea by the seized vessel.

“The material thrown overboard was promptly collected and recovered by the crew of the Navy ship”, can be read in a statement.The elements of the high-speed vessel, “probably related to drug trafficking, took to flight”, adds the Navy note.

9-year-old Boy Seriously Injured After Being Hit By Car

A nine-year-old child was seriously injured after being run over by a light vehicle in Portimão, on Monday, the 12th, said a Civil Protection source.

The alert for the accident was given at 20:17, for the running over of a young man of Brazilian nationality in the city of Portimão, said a source from the Algarve Sub-regional Command.

The child was assisted on site and transported to the Portimão Hospital, he added.On site were the firefighters of Portimão, INEM and PSP, in a total of 17 operational, supported by seven vehicles.

More than 140 Road Traffic Accidents Registered in the Algarve in the last Week Alone

The police authorities recorded 147 accidents on the roads of the Algarve in the last week, between last Monday and Sunday, with only injuries reported, was released today by the GNR .

In a balance of its operational activity in the last week, the Faro Territorial Command of the GNR said, in a statement, that the accidents caused two serious injuries and 25 minor injuries. In terms of road inspection, the GNR arrested 70 people: 21 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 20 for driving without a legal licence and 17 for drug trafficking, detecting a total of 517 offences. According to the GNR, 189 doses of cocaine, 159 of hashish, two shotguns, and seven bottles of nitrous oxide were also seized.

PSP Arrests 2  Men for Aggravated Theft and Drug Trafficking

The Faro District Command of the PSP, through the Criminal Investigation Squadron of the Portimão Police Division, arrested two men, aged 18 and 22, accused of committing the crimes of aggravated theft, payment card abuse and drug trafficking, he said. today that security force .

Following the news of a theft in a residence in Portimão on the afternoon of June 9, the Portimão Criminal Investigation Squadron “immediately started investigative measures”,according to the statement.

“It was found that the two suspects broke into the door of a residence, stealing 400 euros from the interior, as well as several bank cards that they later used to pay for various items in four commercial establishments in Portimão”, continues the note. The two suspects were located “on Saturday morning, the 10th, and 67 doses of hashish and items that had been acquired illicitly with stolen bank cards were seized”, specifies the PSP.

Based on all the evidence collected, the suspects were detained having been caught in the act, through a warrant issued by the Criminal Police Authority.

The detainees will be present for the first judicial interrogation this Monday, for the application of coercive measures considered appropriate while awaiting trial.

Surfer With Head Injuries Helped at Praia de Faro

The elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project, belonging to the National Maritime Authority ( AMN ), helped on Sunday, the 11th, a surfer who suffered head injuries while practising the activity in Praia de Faro, it was announced today.

The alert was given by elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project, who were in the area, and elements from the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Faro and elements from INEM immediately went to the place .

The elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project found that the surfer was conscious, with head injuries, having provided first aid to the victim until the arrival of INEM elements. The victim was stabilised at the scene and transported to a hospital unit by INEM’s Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER).

Man Goes into Cardiac Arrest on Alemão Beach

A 57-year-old man of Brazilian nationality was rescued on Sunday afternoon, the 11th, after allegedly feeling ill in the water, going into cardiac arrest, at Praia do Alemão, in the municipality of Portimão, reported AMN .

​Following an alert received at 4:05 pm, by the Portimão Volunteer Firefighters, informing that a man was in cardiac arrest on the beach, elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Portimão, elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project, as well as members of the Portimão Volunteer Firefighters, INEM and the PSP.

“The victim was found in a prone position in the water, having been removed by lifeguards on duty on the beach with the help of friends of the man. He was promptly assisted by two doctors who were on site, who would start the resuscitation manoeuvres, until the arrival of the elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project and INEM, who continued the same”, says the National Maritime Authority (AMN) in a statement . “After several attempts, it was possible to revive the victim, with the elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ project transporting the victim off the beach, using the Amarok vehicle, where an ambulance from the Portimão Volunteer Fire Department was waiting, which transported him, in a very serious condition, to a hospital unit”, continues the note.

The Portimão Maritime Police Local Command ensured the security of the area and took care of the occurrence.

Fisherman Dies after Falling from a Cliff in Aljezur

A fisherman died on the 9th, following a fall from a cliff on Monte Clérigo beach, Aljezur municipality , said a Civil Protection source.

The Algarve Sub-regional Command said that the alert for the incident was given at 18:40, for the fall of a man who was fishing on a cliff.

After emergency services arrived, the man’s body was recovered and death was declared on the spot, he added. On site were means of the National Maritime Authority, the Firefighters of Aljezur and GNR, a total of 21 operational, supported by nine vehicles.

High-Speed Boat Seized in Monte Gordo

On the 8th of June, the Coastal Control Unit (UCC) of the National Republican Guard (GNR) seized a high-speed vessel (EAV), measuring 12 metres in length and equipped with three high-power engines, on the beach of Monte Gordo, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António , announced that guard.

“After the location of the vessel was identified by the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC) of the UCC and the fact that the characteristics of the EAV correspond to those that are usually used in international drug trafficking, a maritime team from the Coastal Control sub-detachment from Vila Real de Santo António that went to the location”, can be read in a statement.

During the police investigations “it was not possible to locate any suspect next to the vessel or in the immediate vicinity, nor material inside it”, says the GNR. The EAV, with significant damage to the structure and engine, was removed from the site and seized.

The facts were communicated to the Judicial Court of Vila Real de Santo António.

Two Arrested and 700 kilos of Hashish Seized on the Algarve Coast

The Portuguese authorities detained two men on a boat off the coast of the Algarve suspected of drug trafficking in an operation in which 700 kilos of hashish were also seized, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced on June 8 .

According to a statement from the PJ, “the detainees were presented to the competent judicial authority, and are in preventive detention”.

The investigation of this case, which continues under the responsibility of the PJ, began following a rescue mission to the crew of a vessel sailing on the Algarve coast” by the National Maritime Authority (Instituto Socorros a Náufragos and Maritime Police). Once the vessel was located and the “physical integrity of the crew” was ensured, the AMN identified “evidence of a relationship with drug trafficking activity”, and immediately contacted the PJ.

“When establishing the relationship between the two crew members of the vessel, of Spanish nationality, aged between 45 and 48, and the appearance of bales of hashish found floating in the vicinity, in the bar of Armona / Farol, in Olhão , they were arrested on suspicion of committing the crime of drug trafficking,” according to the statement.

The note adds that a semi-rigid vessel of national registration in recreational boating, navigation equipment and other instruments associated with the activity was also seized.

“This action resulted in the seizure of 20 bales of hashish, with a total weight of approximately 700 kilos”, specifies the statement.

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday 14th June 2023

 

By our correspondent in Axores

Access to Lagoa do Fogo in the Azores is now done on a ‘shuttle’ basis.

Access to Lagoa do Fogo, on the island of São Miguel, will be made, from Thursday, through a ‘shuttle’ transport service, announced today the regional secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure.

 

According to Berta Cabral, the ‘shuttle’ will be free for residents and will cost five euros for non-residents.

The minister signed today, in Ponta Delgada, the contract for the award of the ‘shuttle’ service to the company Atlanticoenergy.

This shuttle service to Lagoa do Fogo will leave from Caldeira Velha, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, and end at Casa da Água, in Lagoa, then take the opposite route.

Along the way, the ‘shuttle’ passes through six points of tourist attraction, added Berta Cabral.

This transport will operate on a ‘hop on hop off’ basis, will cover about 14 kilometres, from 09:00 to 19:00, every day of the week, including national, regional or municipal holidays, up to 30 of September.

Berta Cabral also announced that tickets will be purchased through a digital platform and that ‘rent-a-car’ cars will no longer circulate on the road between Caldeira Velha (Ribeira Grande) and Casa da Água (Lagoa).

The aim is for these rented vehicles to park in the existing car parks in the area and for passengers to use the ‘shuttle’ to reach Lagoa do Fogo.

The Caldeira Velha car park (101 spaces) and the car park next to Casa da Água (60 spaces) were increased by another 30 spaces each.

The use of the car park at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint (48 spaces) will remain free for the first 20 minutes and subject to payment in the following periods, with a total of around 200 parking spaces available.

Passage of Óscar depression causes 59 occurrences and landslide cut access to Ribeira Quente.

The Civil Protection of the Azores raised to 59 the number of occurrences recorded today, following the passage of the Óscar depression, including a landslide that completely obstructed the access road to the parish of Ribeira Quente, in São Miguel.

According to a statement released at 21:00, the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) said that the 59 occurrences, recorded since dawn today, were “all on the island of São Miguel, in the municipalities of Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Vila Franca do Campo and Povoação”.

“The situations reported are related, above all, to falling trees, falling structures, landslides, floods and obstructed roadways”, highlighted the SRPCBA, which reported 23 more incidents since the last balance sheet.

At the end of the afternoon, there was a landslide that completely obstructed the access road to the parish of Ribeira Quente, with “clearing work in the affected area” being ongoing, stressed the Civil Protection of the Azores.

“In the municipalities of Povoação and Nordeste, mobile and fixed communications are already restored in both municipalities”, added the same source.

The islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria are under yellow warning until 06:00 on Wednesday, due to forecasts of rain, sometimes heavy, which could be accompanied by thunderstorms.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) had also issued yellow warnings for those two islands because of the wind (north quadrant direction) until 21:00 today.

For the central group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial), the IPMA issued yellow warnings, until 00:00 on Wednesday, due to rain that could be heavy accompanied by thunderstorms.

A yellow warning was also issued for those five islands, taking into account the wind, in a northeasterly direction, between 09:00 today and 00:00 on Wednesday.

The yellow warning, the third most serious on the scale, is issued in “risky situations for certain activities dependent on the weather situation”.

 

Cleaning on the Ribeira Quente road completed in the next 15 days.

The Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure of the Government of the Azores said today that the next 15 days will be enough to clean the access road to the parish of Ribeira Quente, the target of landslides last week.

“Cleaning is a continuous job. When it’s over, it’s over. The next 15 days will certainly be enough”, Berta Cabral told journalists on the Ribeira Quente road, in the municipality of Povoação, the only access route to the parish located on the south coast of São Miguel.

On June 7th, that road was closed to traffic for about 15 hours, due to a landslide, forcing 50 people to spend the night in a social centre.

The road was blocked around 15:20 (16:20 in Lisbon) on Tuesday, following a large landslide, and was only reopened to traffic at 06:20 the following day.

Berta Cabral highlighted that the cleaning work will include the “removal of looser materials that constitute a danger”, through the provocation of controlled landslides.

“We must clean up. The work is gigantic. The means, those that are necessary, are all mobilized. There have already been inspections by ‘drone’ and there are materials that we are going to try to remove due to a fall instead of waiting for new landslides. We will have the collaboration of specialized teams”, she stressed.

“As for the semi-tunnel, from the point of view of its design, it strictly fulfilled the objective of protecting it from all landslides that occurred in that area. There were no obstacles or obstructions to traffic in the area. It was a little further ahead. We also have to find a solution for the other part of the section”.

The “solution” could involve “extending” that semi-tunnel that is in the final stages of construction and whose assignment took place in 2021.