Year-Long Investigation Leads to Arrest
The Public Security Police (PSP) in Madeira confirmed that on August 6, 2025, officers arrested a man in Funchal on suspicion of drug trafficking and possession of prohibited weapons. The individual, identified as an employee of Funchal City Hall, was detained following an investigation led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s First Section in Funchal.
According to the PSP, the inquiry had been ongoing for about a year and focused on the sale of substances believed to be related to new synthetic durgs, so-called alpha-PHP (α-PHP) and/or alpha-PiHP, to third parties. These synthetic drugs are considered potent stimulants.
Weapons, a Vehicle and Cash Seized
In the course of the operation, the PSP carried out home and non-residential searches, as well as the seizure of documents, electronic devices, and communication records. The police reported that several doses of suspected drugs were confiscated along with cash allegedly linked to drug sales, a mobile phone, and multiple prohibited weapons. Authorities also seized the vehicle used by the suspect, which was later returned to its legal owner.
Official Police Statement
The PSP statement:
The Regional Command of PSP Madeira (CRM) informs that on August 6, 2025, within the scope of an inquiry investigating the crimes of drug trafficking, misuse of public resources, and abuse of power, directed by the First Section of Funchal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Madeira, the Criminal Investigation Unit (EIC) of Funchal of the PSP executed home and non-residential search warrants, as well as seizure orders and the search and seizure of data and computer documents, including records of electronic communications. The investigation, which had been ongoing for about a year, focused on an individual who was selling what is presumed to be alpha-PHP and/or alpha-PiHP to third parties.
Furthermore:
During the process, several doses of narcotic substances were seized, along with money suspected to have resulted from drug sales, a mobile phone, and various prohibited weapons. The vehicle used by the suspect was also seized and has since been returned to its rightful owner.
Awaiting Toxicology Results
Following his detention, the suspect was released by order of the judicial authorities. He remains under investigation while awaiting the outcome of toxicology tests on the seized substances. The results will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges of drug trafficking.
The PSP stated that the investigation remains active, and no further details about the case or the suspect’s role in the municipal administration have been disclosed.
Source: Diário de NotÃcias Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments