Cocaine Floods São Miguel Island, Triggering Addiction Crisis

PTPortugal|

In June 2001, the tranquil island of São Miguel, part of the Azores archipelago owned by Portugal, was thrust into chaos when hundreds of packages of uncut cocaine washed ashore. The drug, discovered by local youths while foraging on the beach, led to a surge of usage that would leave a profound impact on the community.

Initially, residents stumbled upon packets the size of hardback books, leading to police seizures totaling half a metric tonne of cocaine valued at approximately £40 million. With the abundance of the drug, prices plummeted, resulting in alarming patterns of usage among local youth. Reports describe children as young as 12 trying cocaine and the rise of novice dealers driving around with sports bags filled with the drug.

The smuggler behind this crisis, Antonino Quinci, a 44-year-old Italian, sought refuge on the island after encountering issues with his yacht. His decision to hide his remaining cocaine cargo in a cave inadvertently resulted in a catastrophic influx of drugs onto the streets. The situation spiraled out of control, with even long-time residents getting ensnared in addiction.

Health facilities struggled to cope with an unexpectedly high influx of patients suffering from addiction-related conditions, marking a tragic transformation for the island’s previously stable community. Over two decades later, locals still grapple with the lingering effects of this event, and drug abuse remains a pervasive issue, further complicated by the emergence of newer synthetic drugs.

As the region strives to recover, the lasting scars of Quinci's operation serve as a reminder of the dangerous intersection between drug trafficking and local economies. The story of São Miguel prompts urgent calls for better drug treatment resources and preventative measures to combat similar crises.

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