Silves GNR police detained sixty-two people aged 21 to 34 in connection with the BPM Festival, the majority for drug trafficking and drink-driving, and confiscated a total of 4,066 doses of myriad recreational and hard drugs.
A statement from the GNR said the force carried out “several enforcement actions to prevent criminal offenses and ensure the safety of visitors to the event”.
These actions resulted in the arrest of 62 people, most notably: 53 for trafficking in narcotics; six for driving under the influence of alcohol; one for driving without a licence.
The 2018 edition of the BPM Festival took place from 20-23 September, in several venues in and around the Algarve municipalities of Lagoa and Portimão.
The debut 2017 Portugal edition involved over 180 DJs and welcomed fans from over 90 countries to seven distinct venues alongside the beach and city centres, over four days and nights.
Last year, 19 people were arrested in connection with drug-related offences at the inaugural event. It has a global reputation as the preeminent festival for lovers of quality house and techno and is open to participants age 18 and over.