News

  • Visit of NCA Director General of Operations to MAOC (N)

    Visit of NCA Director General of Operations to MAOC (N)

    MAOC (N) had the pleasure of welcoming Rob Jones, Director General of Operations at the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), to its headquarters in Lisbon on 6 October 2025. During the visit, Mr Jones met with MAOC (N)’s Executive Director, Jose Ferreira, and was briefed on the pivotal role of MAOC-N in coordinating efforts…


  • French Navy seizes over 9 tonnes of cocaine off West Africa in joint operation supported by MAOC-N

    French Navy seizes over 9 tonnes of cocaine off West Africa in joint operation supported by MAOC-N

    On 22 September 2025, in a significant blow against drug trafficking, two French Navy vessels seized 9.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed onboard an unflagged fishing vessel operating off the coast of West Africa. The operation was launched following a request from the French National Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations (DNRED), acting on intelligence developed…


  • MAOC-N Welcomes Hugues Moret, Special Envoy for the European Political Community

    MAOC-N Welcomes Hugues Moret, Special Envoy for the European Political Community

    The Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted Hugues Moret, Special Envoy of President Emmanuel Macron for the European Political Community (Communauté Politique Européenne – CPE) at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Mr Moret was welcomed to MAOC-N’s headquarters and received a briefing on the Centre’s operational activities and strategic priorities.…


  • MAOC (N) Hosts Delegation from MIFCLANT

    MAOC (N) Hosts Delegation from MIFCLANT

    MAOC (N) recently welcomed a delegation from the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic (MIFCLANT) for an operational briefing and exchange of expertise. The visiting delegation, composed of US Coast Guard officers, included Captain Benjamin Golightly (MIFCLANT) and Captain Matthew A Michaelis (USAFRICOM). During the visit, a MAOC (N)’s Head Analyst provided an overview of the…


  • MAOC (N) welcomes its new Executive Director, Jose Ferreira

    MAOC (N) welcomes its new Executive Director, Jose Ferreira

    MAOC (N) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Jose Ferreira. Ferreira, a Criminal Investigation Coordinator in the Portuguese Judicial Police, brings almost 27 years of experience in law enforcement, including extensive leadership of investigative and intelligence teams dedicated to tackling international drug trafficking. With a long-standing connection to MAOC (N),…


  • Belgian Ambassador Visits MAOC (N) Headquarters

    Belgian Ambassador Visits MAOC (N) Headquarters

    On 5 September 2025, the MAOC (N) Executive Director hosted the Ambassador of Belgium to Portugal, H.E. Bart Lammens, at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon. The visit also marked the official start of duty of the new Belgian Liaison Officer to MAOC (N), Evert de Trogh, who took up his post on 1 September. Also…