33 Indicted in Portuguese Arms Trafficking Ring Bust

Portuguese authorities have indicted 33 individuals in a major arms trafficking and mediation case. The investigation, led by the Central Department of Criminal Investigation and Action (DCIAP), resulted in the seizure of 76 firearms, 5,000 rounds of ammunition, three alarm pistols, eight air pressure rifles, five bladed weapons, three knuckle dusters, three extendable batons, a crossbow, €2,200, and 27.17 grams of cocaine. The indictment alleges that one of the defendants, an employee of a gunsmith in Santarém, used the establishment to conceal his illegal sales of weapons and ammunition to individuals who were not legally authorized to purchase them. This individual is accused of falsifying the ammunition sales ledger, falsely recording illegal ammunition sales as though they were made to licensed individuals who were unaware of these sales and the use of their names. The primary buyer of weapons and ammunition operated in conjunction with his wife, reselling the weapons and ammunition from their home to others. Some of these individuals also resold weapons and ammunition. This activity mainly occurred in the towns of Santarém, Entroncamento, and Tomar, as well as nearby localities.