In the operation, which resulted from an investigation that lasted about eight months, 20 search warrants were carried out, two in distilleries, eight in vehicles and 10 in warehouses not authorised for storage.

“The value of seized medronho brandy amounts to €237,520.42, and the introduction of this product for consumption would have caused damage to the Portuguese State, in terms of Special Consumption Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT), at an approximate value of €99,151.42”, adds the GNR.

In the operation called “ARBUTOS I and II”, five men were identified and the case was handed over to the Judicial Court of Loulé and Olhão, in the district of Faro.

The GNR stresses that the objective of these actions “is to ensure compliance with the legal provisions for the production and storage of alcoholic beverages, thus contributing to the fight against the parallel economy in Portugal”.