This is an area referred to by the authorities as the scene of significant drug trafficking where, in 2021, the PSP arrested 250 people associated with that illegal activity. And in the last 60 days alone 105 arrests were recorded there.

The operation, carried out specifically in the Pinheiro Torres and Pasteleira Nova neighbourhoods since 9am, has already allowed six people suspected of drug trafficking to be arrested and led to a police station, police commissioner Eduardo Silva told Lusa news agency.

Dozens of other people have been identified during this operation, which does not include any house searches and involves the Special Police Unit, Criminal Investigation and Traffic Divisions, Rapid Intervention Teams and Prevention and Immediate Reaction Teams, as well as the collaboration of the Porto Municipal Police.

Commissioner Eduardo Silva told Lusa news agency that it was an "operation of visibility and criminal prevention", aiming to "increase the sense of security in residents".

Some quantities of cocaine, heroin and hashish were seized.

The operation will continue for a few more hours.