Cape Verde police arrest 20 in drug trafficking sting
Operation Shark nets suspects including police and prison officers in Praia.
Cape Verdean police arrested 20 individuals, including police officers, prison guards, and a public official, on Tuesday, April 3rd, as part of the ongoing Operation Shark. The arrests, conducted by the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation, target alleged high-risk drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 60, are accused of co-perpetrating drug trafficking, conversion, concealment, money laundering, and criminal association. During searches, authorities seized a shotgun, a 6.35mm pistol, ammunition, cannabis, cocaine, cutting agents, and drug preparation paraphernalia. Two vehicles and electronic equipment were also confiscated.
This latest phase follows an initial crackdown on July 16th in Praia, which led to 12 arrests and the seizure of 1.1627 kilograms of cocaine, 2,048,269 Cape Verdean escudos, and 770 euros. The operation aims to dismantle a criminal network believed to have been active for 15 years.
Why it matters20 individuals, including law enforcement and public officials, face charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.