Visited Lisbon recently. Stayed in the tourist area in the center of town. Had a good hotel room where I could watch the goings-on for several blocks.
There was a strange group of mid-east types, dozens strong, who had individuals stationed on every corner, covering many blocks. They mostly stood and watched, occassionaly talking with one or two others who would come by, and shuttle among the nodes of this extended network.
They clearly “controlled” the area. Although I did not see drugs, I assume it was drugs/prostitutes, and/or “collected rents” from the street-commerce, pan-handling and buskers in the area.
Thanks for the report.