Major Drug Trafficker Rúben Oliveira, aka 'Xuxas', Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Major Drug Trafficker Convicted

One of Portugal's most notorious drug traffickers, Rúben Oliveira, known as 'Xuxas', has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering, according to SIC Notícias. Oliveira has been incarcerated since 2022 at the Monsanto prison.

The judges concluded that Oliveira led an international drug trafficking network and coordinated operations. The verdict was delivered by Judge Filipa Araújo in the Lisbon Central Criminal Court during a session heavily guarded by police. "There is no doubt he was in charge; he was the one communicating with importers and setting the rules," emphasized the judge.

The Lisbon court sentenced Oliveira to 12 years for drug trafficking, 15 years for organized crime, and 4.5 years for money laundering, totaling 20 years in effective prison time. He avoided the maximum sentence of 25 years due to the absence of prior criminal records.

Judge Araújo pointed out that these are methods used by individuals trying to evade legitimate state intervention. "We cannot place ourselves above the law and think that using these systems makes us untouchable."

During the final arguments, prosecutor Júlia Henriques asserted that the evidence presented proved the charges and argued that the defendants should be exemplarily punished, although she did not specify the sentences.

Family Ties to Crime

Oliveira's brother, Dércio Oliveira, was also convicted, receiving a 13-year prison sentence. Additionally, Oliveira's wife, Carla Paradela, was sentenced to two years, with the sentence suspended.

According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the criminal organization led by Oliveira had close ties to drug trafficking organizations in Brazil and Colombia, importing large quantities of cocaine since mid-2019.

The organization had logistical structures in various locations in Portugal, particularly near the Setúbal and Leixões ports and Lisbon Airport, enabling them to import cocaine without detection by authorities. The Judicial Police conducted cocaine seizures involving defendants who allegedly followed Oliveira's orders. Cocaine was introduced into Portugal through fruit importing companies and other goods, using shipping containers, and also via luggage on flights from Brazil.

The defendants reportedly utilized encrypted communication systems typically used by major international criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and violent crime.