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French Authorities Seize 406kg of Cocaine in the Bay of Biscay
A significant narcotics operation conducted on the night of May 23-24 led to the seizure of 406 kg of cocaine in the Bay of Biscay. The operation, led by the French authorities, saw the French Customs Patrol Vessel KERMORVAN, based in Brest, intercept a sailing vessel named LE DAHU, flying the Polish flag. The French…
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British Ambassador to Portugal Lisa Bandari Visits MAOC (N)
British Ambassador to Portugal, Lisa Bandari, and Deputy Head of Mission, Nigel Boud, recently visited the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. This visit reinforced MAOC-N and the UK’s shared and unwavering commitment to enhancing maritime security and combating drug trafficking through international cooperation. During her visit, Ambassador Bandari met with the Centre’s Director Sjoerd Top and…
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MAOC-N Supports Two French Operations in the Atlantic – 2.4 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized
In the past week, the French Navy conducted 2 maritime operations off the Caribbean, resulting in the seizure of over 2400 Kg of cocaine destined for Europe. The first target was a polish-flagged sailing vessel, which was intercepted and boarded by the French Navy asset Ventôse, 500 nautical miles off Martinique in an area widely…
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MAOC-N Spotlighted in TF1 Documentary on Atlantic Cocaine Routes
TF1, a widely known French news and TV channel, has featured MAOC-N in their latest documentary shedding light on the cocaine routes within the Atlantic. This documentary highlights the Centre’s collaborative efforts and expertise in combating drug trafficking in the region, underscoring the importance of MAOC-N’s role in addressing such challenges. TF1’s full video and…
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Spanish authorities arrest several members of an organisation dedicated to maritime drug trafficking
A joint operation conducted by the Spanish Customs’ Surveillance service and National Police has resulted in a significant blow against a Spanish based organised crime group, responsible for introducing several tons of cocaine in Europe by sea. This large investigation started in 2022, after 1165 Kg of cocaine were found inside a sailing vessel which…
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Italian Authorities Seize 150kg of Cocaine Near Ravenna, with Support from MAOC-N
On the morning of April 17th, 2024, a bulk carrier named ACACIA, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was boarded by the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Ravenna State Police near the port of Ravenna, Italy. During this operation, which was carried out in difficult weather and sea conditions, the GDF divers found…
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The Swedish Ambassador to Portugal, Elisabeth Eklund, visits the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon
On 18/04/2024, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted the Swedish Ambassador to Portugal, Elisabeth Eklund, at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Ms Eklund, who is also Ambassador to Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, was briefed by one of the analysts on some of the Centre’s past and current operations, with an emphasis…
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Spanish and Portuguese Authorities Dismantle Important Criminal Group Dedicated to International Drug Trafficking
In a significant victory against organised crime, Spanish and Portuguese authorities have joined forces under operation GRAJUELA, successfully intercepting 627Kg of cocaine on board a “go-fast” boat operating in the Strait of Gibraltar. Alongside this cocaine haul, law enforcement authorities also seized a significant quantity of cash, vehicles and speedboats, as well as communications and…
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Commander in Chief of French Forces in the Atlantic visits MAOC-N
Vice-Admiral Jean-François Querat, Maritime Prefect and Commander in Chief of French forces in the Atlantic, recently paid a visit to MAOC-N alongside his staff. During the meeting, the Vice-Admiral had the opportunity to delve into the operations conducted at the Centre and the cooperation efforts among partner countries aimed at combatting international organised crime in…