Latest news and stories about maritime police in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Association of Inspectors and Chiefs of the Maritime Police (Associação de Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima or AICPM) has filed a lawsuit against the Portuguese State and the Navy. The association cites total chaos, severe budget constraints, and illegitimate military interference as reasons for the legal action, noting that some local commands are currently operating with only one officer.
Suspects were named as formal defendants and released.
The vessel was found on Telheiro beach, in Vila do Bispo, following a report from a member of the public. Authorities are investigating the origin of the speedboat, which is frequently used in drug trafficking.
On the previous night, a rubber dinghy had already been seized and three men were identified and arrested on suspicion of providing logistical support to high-speed vessels.
Among the migrants are 40 Bangladeshi nationals and three Sudanese nationals.
Following a request for intervention from the Greek authorities, a vessel was intercepted from which 43 men were rescued, 40 of Bangladeshi nationality and three of Sudanese nationality.
The Portuguese Maritime Police rescued 102 migrants travelling on two vessels south of Greece on Friday, 9 October. The operation took place approximately 57 kilometres south of the island of Gavdos as part of the 'Joint Operation (JO) Greece 2026' mission. The alert was raised by Greek authorities, who requested assistance from the Portuguese operatives after locating the boats. Among those rescued were 91 men, 10 women, and one child. All occupants were reported to be in good physical condition and did not require emergency medical care. Following the rescue, the individuals were safely transferred to the island of Crete with the support of Hellenic Coast Guard vessels. The Maritime Police's presence in the region is part of the operational framework of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), aimed at strengthening the control and surveillance of the European Union's external borders while ensuring a rapid response to emergencies and the safety of human life at sea.
Vice-Admiral Nuno Chaves Ferreira, who served as commander-general of the Maritime Police until July, says the new law on high-speed vessels fell short of what was needed, allowing suspects to be released immediately. He also advocates for a dedicated task force solely for combating drug trafficking.
During a patrol operation, the Portuguese Maritime Police rescued 30 people who were on board a vessel near the port area of the island of Gavdos, in Greece.
The Maritime Police is integrated into the 'Joint Operation Greece 2026' mission, coordinated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
The rescue took place on the island of Gavdos during a maritime border surveillance mission.
The Portuguese Maritime Police are on a mission on the island of Gavdos, Greece. At the request of the Greek authorities, the Portuguese authorities rescued 33 people, including some minors.
Another partial success for Portuguese authorities this morning, when yet another ‘narco launch’ was seized, equipped with 100 jerrycans of fuel, this time off the coast, near Santa Amaro de The post Maritime Police seize yet another narco launch, this time adrift off Oeiras appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Two infractions were detected for the use of retention devices, “liable to reduce the regulatory selectivity of trawling gear”, and two others for failure to comply with minimum capacity requirements.
The Government has authorised the Maritime Police to recruit up to 26 trainee agents to attend the training course required for entry into the 3rd class agent career, addressing the force's operational needs and ensuring the renewal of its staff. The Maritime Police (PM) is authorised to open a recruitment process this year.
The Maritime Police seized 10 vessels.
The unexpected and premature passing of the current Port Captain and local commander of the Maritime Police leaves the Viana do Castelo municipality in deep dismay and sorrow.
The association also denounces that the Maritime Police “remains hostage to a personnel statute and a salary scale that are over 30 years old”.
11 people were identified
The Maritime Police have no doubt that all of this formed part of a logistical supply chain supplying a drug trafficking network operating, at least in transit, through our country.
