Inside the Drug Trade: How Lisbon's PSP Took Down a Major Cocaine Operation

The Shocking Reality of Drug Trade in Lisbon

In the Picheleira neighborhood of Lisbon, a notorious drug operation was running 24/7, generating profits of over €3,000 a day. The operation was heavily reliant on a network of dozens of sellers, most of whom were drug-dependent individuals, often homeless, who sold drugs in exchange for their own doses.

A key figure in this operation, known as Mero, had a reputation for violence and control. Witnesses reported that sellers were coerced into surrendering all earnings, with threats of severe consequences for non-compliance. One witness described how a seller, known as Zuka, was hospitalized after a violent incident, emphasizing the dangers of the trade.

The Structure of the Network

The drug trade was organized with a clear hierarchy, featuring roles such as the “boss,” the “cook,” and the “ground man.” Law enforcement observed transactions happening openly, with one instance captured where a woman exchanged cash for a packet of cocaine in broad daylight.

In the summer of last year, law enforcement took action, arresting the network's leaders, who had been elusive and known for their violent tactics. By January of this year, 40 individuals associated with the operation faced charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime, marking a significant crackdown on this pervasive issue in Lisbon.