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940 Kg of Cannabis Resin seized by the French Navy off Guyana
On the 6th of June, the French Forces in the Caribbean carried out a maritime operation that led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of cannabis resin on board a sailing vessel, located in international waters off the coast of Guyana. Acting on intelligence shared by several countries under the MAOC-N framework, authorities had…
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Portuguese Authorities Seize 1,660 kg of Cocaine on Board Sailing Vessel
In recent days, a joint operation conducted by the Portuguese Judicial Police, Navy, and Air Force has resulted in the seizure of 1,660 kg of cocaine. The 11-metre sailing vessel was intercepted by the Portuguese Navy while sailing south-west from the Azores with three crew members on board. The vessel was escorted to Ponta Delgada…
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EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner Visits MAOC (N) Headquarters in Lisbon
MAOC (N) was honoured to welcome EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner and his delegation to its headquarters in Lisbon this week. The visit marks a significant moment for the Centre, reflecting continued high-level engagement and support for MAOC (N)’s mission in the fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking by sea and by air. Commissioner…
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Operation SOMBRA NEGRA: Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in the Canary Islands
The Spanish National Police has dismantled a major criminal network involved in trafficking cocaine from South America to the Canary Islands using high-speed vessels. The operation followed months of investigation and resulted in 48 arrests. Those detained formed part of a hierarchical organisation with coordinators based in the Canary Islands responsible for receiving and distributing…
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The Belgian Drug Commissioner Visits MAOC-N
The Belgian Drug Commissioner, Mme Ine Van Wymersch, visited the Centre following Belgium’s official accession to MAOC-N in July 2024. During the visit, the Commissioner and her delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the Centre’s activities, as well as the latest developments and trends in maritime drug trafficking. The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity…
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Brazilian Authorities Seize Semi-Submersible in Remote Area of the State of Pará
A joint operation by the Federal Police, Air Force, and the Brazilian Navy resulted in the seizure of a semi-submersible that was being prepared to cross the Atlantic to Europe, carrying a significant amount of cocaine. This operation follows the seizure of 6 tons of cocaine aboard a similar vessel, last March by Portuguese authorities.…
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MAOC (N) Co-Leads Landmark International Conference on Semi-Submersibles in Colombia
MAOC (N) recently co-organised a milestone international conference in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing together over 100 experts from 19 countries to address the growing threat of Semi-Submersible vessels in cross-Atlantic drug trafficking. In partnership with the Colombian Armada Nacional, which has significant operational experience in interdicting semi-submersibles, this three-day event featured workshops, capability demonstrations, and invaluable…
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MAOC-N Strengthens Cooperation with Suriname in the Fight Against International Drug Trafficking
MAOC-N recently visited Suriname to foster closer cooperation in the fight against international drug trafficking. During the visit, MAOC-N’s Executive Director, Sjoerd Top, and the Centre’s Dutch Liaison Officer, were received by Suriname’s Chief of Police, Bryan Isaacs, and the Attorney General, Garcia Paragsingh. Discussions focused on developing a strong and effective partnership between MAOC-N…
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630kg of Cocaine Seized in French-Led Operation Targeting Maritime “Drop Off” Method
A large-scale international operation has led to the seizure of 630 kg of cocaine, the coast of northern France. The drugs were transferred at sea using the “drop off” method, involving a cargo vessel from Brazil and smaller vessels operated by French nationals. The successful operation was the result of a long investigation by French…