The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) deactivated five captives and 13 kidnap victims were returned to their families last year.

 The figures, according to "Notícias", were announced yesterday by Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda on the occasion of SERNIC's 8th anniversary.

Ronda also said that seven firearms, ammunition of various calibres, vehicles, cell phones and 62 individuals were seized.

With regard to drug trafficking, he highlighted the dismantling of four illicit factories, the seizure of cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.