The investigation, which began in early 2022 in collaboration with Spanish authorities, previously led to the seizure of approximately 1,200 kilograms of amphetamines.

The cannabis seized during this operation was reportedly destined for markets in Europe and Africa, with the criminal activities having been ongoing for several months.

Authorities suspect that a criminal organization exploited weaknesses in the oversight of medicinal cannabis exportation, acquiring pharmaceutical companies to funnel thousands of kilograms of cannabis into illegal markets using fraudulent documentation.

The PJ believes that some of the cannabis involved may have been adulterated with high levels of THC, indicating a diversion for illegal drug trafficking.

The National Unit for Combating Drug Trafficking of the Judicial Police (PJ) has launched a significant operation named 'Erva Daninha', targeting cannabis plantations across Portugal, including Madeira.

As part of this extensive investigation, six search warrants were executed in Spain, along with one each in Bulgaria and Cyprus.

This operation has resulted in the detention of five individuals and the seizure of 7.3 tons of cannabis.

The operation involved around 300 inspectors, 48 experts, and 24 security personnel from the PJ, alongside six prosecutors and three judges, emphasizing the scale of the effort.

Among those arrested is Maria Teresa Faísca, a businesswoman linked to Canna Forest, who is under investigation for allegedly diverting medicinal cannabis to the illegal market and money laundering.

The operation, which has been ongoing for two years, is focused on a criminal network suspected of selling cannabis with THC levels exceeding legal limits.

This crackdown has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing challenges surrounding cannabis cultivation and trafficking in Portugal.

As of March 2025, Portugal had 40 licensed companies for cannabis cultivation, 25 for manufacturing, and 51 for import/export, indicating a rapidly growing industry.