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Three Arrested in Madeira's Drug Trafficking Bust

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
June 25, 2026
4 min read

A coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking in Madeira led to the arrest of three individuals, with operations targeting 11 commercial establishments.

In a significant operation dubbed "#notSOSmart," the Polícia Judiciária, in collaboration with several regional agencies, successfully arrested three individuals for drug trafficking in Madeira. The operation, aimed at curbing the illegal sale of cannabis-related products, was conducted across 11 commercial outlets, including nine smartshops and two tobacconists.

The operation was led by the Department of Criminal Investigation of Madeira and targeted the sale of cannabis and other psychoactive substances. The authorities had strong evidence suggesting that these establishments were selling products containing cannabinoids such as cannabis resin, oil, and other derivatives, which are prohibited by law.

In addition to the arrests, the operation resulted in the identification of 10 other individuals and the seizure of 7,386 units of illegal products. These included a variety of items such as cannabis flowers, incenses, infusions, teas, oils, vapes, pre-rolled cigarettes, resins, and cannabis-infused gummies and lollipops.

The seized products were labeled with misleading terms like "Hemp," "CBD," "Aromatic Product," and "Collection Product," often claiming THC levels below 0.3%. However, these descriptions do not authorize retail sales under current legislation, which strictly controls the distribution of cannabis-related products, especially in forms intended for direct consumption.

The operation received support from multiple agencies, including the Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police, the Regional Authority for Economic Activities, and the Regional Directorate of Health. This collaborative effort underscores Madeira's commitment to public health and safety, particularly in preventing the illegal trade of psychoactive substances.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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