-
Crew sets fire to sailing vessel after being intercepted by Spanish authorities
In recent days, the Spanish authorities launched a maritime operation aimed at intercepting a sailing vessel suspected of carrying a significant quantity of cocaine bound for Europe. Following the dissemination of intelligence via MAOC-N, the Customs Surveillance Service (SVA) patrol vessel Sacre successfully intercepted the target approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of the…
-
Major Cocaine Seizure in the Caribbean by French Armed Forces
On 27 June 2025, the French Armed Forces in the Antilles (Forces armées aux Antilles), with support from international partners, conducted a significant counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea. A French Navy vessel, acting on intelligence and assisted by a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft and an aircraft from the Coast Guard, intercepted a Go-Fast vessel…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
maritime analysis and operations centre
(Narcotics)
maritime analysis and operations centre
(Narcotics)
maritime analysis and operations centre
(Narcotics)