Cape Verde court orders 11 jailed in drug probe
20 people were detained on November 3 in Praia as part of Operation Shark, which targets high-risk drug trafficking.
A court in Praia ordered 11 of 20 individuals detained on November 3 to be held in preventive custody. The detentions are part of Operation Shark, investigating high-risk drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association.
The Judicial Police (PJ) detained the 20 people. Following their initial court appearances, 11 face preventive detention, while the remaining nine will await further proceedings under non-custodial measures. These measures include weekly reporting to the PJ, no contact with co-defendants, and surrender of travel documents.
Specific restrictions were also imposed on public officials involved. Police officers are suspended and barred from police stations and databases, facing daily performance monitoring. Members of the Fiscal Guard have their functions suspended, must surrender service weapons and identification, and are banned from Praia International Airport and customs areas.
Why it matters11 individuals face preventive detention, and nine others have travel and contact restrictions as part of a drug trafficking investigation.