Police Bust Drug Lab in Cape Verde Capital; Seven Arrested
Cape Verdean authorities have struck a significant blow against narcotics distribution in the capital, arresting seven individuals and dismantling a clandestine drug laboratory in Praia. The National Judiciary Police (PJ) announced the successful operation on Tuesday, revealing that the suspects face charges of high-risk drug trafficking and money laundering.
Raid in Achadinha
The operation unfolded on the night of Thursday, April 2, in the Achadinha neighborhood. Acting on an ongoing investigation, PJ officers caught the suspects “in flagrante delicto.” The group, consisting of six men and one woman, are all Cape Verdean nationals ranging in age from 17 to 37.
During the raid, officers discovered an improvised laboratory used for processing narcotics. Beyond the production site, police seized 186 doses of cocaine derivatives and a quantity of cannabis. The search also yielded two precision scales, chemicals used for drug preparation, and packaging materials.
Seizure of Assets and Ammunition
The investigation into the “conversion and concealment of assets”—legal terminology for money laundering—led to the seizure of more than just drugs. Authorities confiscated a substantial amount of cash, gold and silver jewelry, mobile phones, and various electronic devices. Additionally, the PJ seized four rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition.
Legal Consequences
Following their initial appearance before the Praia District Court, the suspects were handed varying judicial measures:
- Five defendants were placed in preventive detention and are currently being held at the Praia central prison.
- One defendant will face an expedited summary trial.
- The female suspect was released on the condition that she reports periodically to the authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing as the Judiciary Police continue to track the financial trail and distribution networks associated with the group.
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