This is a list of police operations in Martim Moniz from 2007 to December 2024.
List of operations February 13, 2007 On February 13, 2007, a major operation in Martim Moniz led to the detention of 29 individuals. The police conducted street checks, requiring anyone passing through the area to present identification. The focus was on controlling illegal immigration and verifying the legality of commercial activities.
April 10, 2008 On April 10, 2008, an operation spanned from Martim Moniz to Alameda. While numerous individuals were identified, no arrests were made.
November 26, 2008 Just seven months later, another operation led to no arrests but resulted in the seizure of counterfeit perfumes, belts, and clothing from local businesses.
December 10, 2010 On December 10, 2010, a joint operation was carried out by the PSP, SEF, the Inspecção Tributária and the ASAE. Starting at 15:00 and lasting three hours, the operation targeted the Mouraria and Martim Moniz shopping centers, as well as nearby public spaces, including the Mouraria Esplanade and establishments in Martim Moniz Square. The raid resulted in five arrests and 1535 suspects caught. The operation included isolating the commercial center, blocking metro access, and cutting off local traffic. The focus was to restrain illegal activities and improving public safety.
The Mouraria Shopping Center, in particular, has faced several police inspections over the years, as described by Paulo Afonso, a Portuguese vendor who has operated in the area for 21 years. Despite routine patrols, local merchants often witnessed illegal activities, forcing a law enforcement operation to address the issues.
During the operation, 1535 individuals were identified, including shopkeepers and shoppers, and no one was allowed to leave without proper identification. The police deployed sniffer dogs to search for narcotics but reported no findings. ASAE seized counterfeit goods, including handbags, watches, and clothing, valued at nearly €6,000. Two establishments were closed for violations, and four administrative offenses were documented for issues such as the absence of complaint books and inadequate safety measures. SEF detained five individuals for being in the country illegally, while the Tax Inspection issued four infractions for diverse irregularities.
Although the operation disrupted business activities, with shopkeepers and visitors stranded during the inspections, law enforcement described the operation as a success. PSP spokesperson Sub-commissioner Carla Duarte confirmed the peaceful conduct of the operation.
July 17, 2023 On July 17, 2023, the Polícia Judiciária's Counterterrorism Unit carried out an operation targeting illegal immigration. The action included 20 search warrants executed across houses and hostels in Martim Moniz. Simultaneously, coordinated arrests were made in Vila Franca de Xira and the South Bank of the Tagus, leading to six detentions.
November 19, 2024 On November 8, 2024, the government launched the “Portugal Sempre Seguro” campaign, which spanned six weeks. On November 19, 2024, a police operation in Martim Moniz detained two individuals. The PSP described this as a “special operation for criminal prevention”.
December 19, 2024
On December 19, 2024, the PSP carried out a special operation in Martim Moniz focused on criminal prevention. The operation currently has led to the detention of two individuals.
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