The Azores Public Security Police (PSP) recorded intense operational activity during the second quarter of 2025, with a total of more than 415 arrests, over 700 road accidents, and at least 140 injuries reported between April and June. However, it should be noted that in several weeks, the official reports did not indicate the number of accidents that occurred, suggesting that the actual number may be significantly higher. Additionally, no information was provided for the reports covering the periods between May 5 and 8, May 24 and 25, and June 3 and 8, which partially limits the complete statistical analysis of the second quarter of the year.

Most arrests were made in flagrante delicto or in compliance with court warrants, with the most notable crimes being driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, drug trafficking, domestic violence, possession of prohibited weapons, disobedience, and various crimes against property and physical integrity.

Illegal and dangerous driving continued to be one of the most critical areas for police action. Dozens of road enforcement operations were carried out in several municipalities, including radar speed checks and systematic document checks. During these operations, hundreds of traffic violations were detected, and 180 arrests were made for driving without a license or under the influence of alcohol, situations frequently reported on weekends and at night. The age range of the drivers arrested varied between 18 and 73 years old.

In the field of drug-related crime, the Azores PSP seized hundreds of doses of heroin, cocaine, hashish, and marijuana, as well as knives, ammunition, and thousands of euros in cash from criminal activity. Among other cases, the seizure of 349 doses of heroin, 136 of cocaine, and 10 of hashish in Angra do Heroísmo stands out; 161 doses of hashish, 6 of marijuana, ammunition, and more than 5,000 euros in Rabo de Peixe; and the arrest of a couple in São Roque do Pico, caught with almost 1 kg of hashish and materials used in trafficking. Drug dealing locations were also dismantled in Velas, Praia da Vitória, and Ribeira Grande, with several of these operations culminating in the preventive detention of the suspects, given the danger of continued criminal activity.

Domestic violence remained a constant concern. Over the three months, dozens of arrests were made for this type of crime, involving suspects of physical and psychological assault against spouses, partners, and even parents. The PSP responded to several complaints, resulting in the arrest of suspects and their referral to the relevant authorities. Among the various measures applied by the Judicial Authority in domestic violence cases, the immediate removal of victims, a ban on contact, electronic surveillance, and, in the most serious cases, preventive detention were particularly noteworthy.

Regarding crimes against property, simple and aggravated theft, particularly in commercial establishments, vehicles, and homes, were also prevalent. The PSP identified and arrested several suspects, some of whom had criminal records. A particularly serious case involved a 32-year-old man in Ponta Delgada who was responsible for several planned thefts involving breaking and entering outside shop opening hours, resulting in his preventive detention.

Dozens of arrest and detention warrants were also executed, both to ensure the appearance of defendants in court and to enforce prison sentences. Citizens were arrested with sentences ranging from one month to four and a half years in prison, mainly for crimes of computer fraud, drug trafficking, aggravated theft, and resisting arrest.

In total, at least 700 road accidents were recorded, although the actual number may be higher, given the lack of data for some weeks. These accidents resulted in 140 injuries.

Compared to the first three months of the year, there was a slight decrease in the total number of arrests. The first quarter of 2025 was marked by more than 500 arrests, mainly related to drug trafficking, aggravated theft, domestic violence, and crimes against property. Despite the apparent decline in the second quarter, it is essential to note that no reports were made available for the periods between May 5 and 8, May 24 and 25, and June 3 and 8, which means that the actual number of arrests may be higher than the recorded number.

Regarding road accidents, both quarters report high and relatively similar figures. Between January and March, the PSP reported 771 road accidents, resulting in 137 injuries and two fatalities. Between April and June, reports point to at least 709 accidents and 140 injuries, although several weeks contain no information on accidents, so the total number may be higher. Even so, it is possible to say that the first half of 2025 totaled at least 915 arrests, more than 1,480 road accidents, and almost 280 injuries.

Filipe Torres is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.