The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) arrested five people in an operation targeting a network that trafficked anabolic steroids and prescription drugs. Searches were conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital in Lisbon and the Carregueira prison in Sintra as part of the investigation into trafficking, money laundering, and embezzlement. Separately, a police officer was stabbed multiple times at a station in Leiria, though his injuries are not reported as life-threatening.
PJ investigates trafficking network at military hospital and prison
Friday, 17 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
