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MAOC (N) Hosts Operational Workshop on the Growing Threat of Go-Fast Vessels
On 20th February 2025, MAOC (N) convened an operational workshop in Lisbon at the premises of the Polícia Judiciária to address the rapidly evolving threat posed by go-fast vessels (GFs) in maritime drug trafficking to Europe. The event brought together representatives from all MAOC-N partner countries, with the exception of Belgium, to discuss the growing…
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Spanish Authorities Seize Over Half a Tonne of Cocaine in the Atlantic
On 06/02/2025 the Spanish Navy, in coordination with the Spanish National Police, has successfully intercepted a sailing vessel carrying over 600 kilograms of cocaine. The operation, a collaboration between the French (DNRED), UK (NCA), and US (DEA) authorities, targeted maritime drug trafficking. The vessel, flying a Polish flag, was en route to the Canary Islands…
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The Minister of Justice of the Netherlands visits MAOC-N
On 13/02/2025, MAOC-N hosted a visit by a Dutch delegation headed by the Minister of Justice Mr. David Van Weel, also including the Ambassador to Portugal Mrs. Margriet Leemhuis. During the visit, the Minister and the Delegation were briefed about the current situation regarding maritime drug trafficking, with a special focus on the threat related…
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German authorities seize 153kg of cocaine in cargo vessel at Wilhelmshaven
On December 27th, 2024, a joint operation by German authorities resulted in the seizure of approximately 153kg of cocaine on a cargo vessel in Wilhelmshaven. The operation, supported by MAOC-N, involved the cooperation of several German agencies, including customs, border control, and police forces. The 300-metre-long cargo vessel was thoroughly inspected, including the use of…
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General Pierangelo Iannotti, Central Director for Italy’s DCSA, visits MAOC-N
On January 17th, 2025, General Pierangelo Iannotti, the Central Director for Italy’s Anti-Drug Services DCSA (Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga), visited the Headquarters of MAOC-N in Lisbon. General Ianotti was hosted by the Executive Director of MAOC-N, Sjoerd Top, and briefed by an analyst on the Centre’s current operations and drug trafficking trends via…
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MAOC-N Supports French Operation in the Caribbean – 9 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized
In the early days of 2025, the French Navy forces stationed in the Caribbean deployed their maritime patrol vessel, “La Confiance”, to intercept and board a merchant vessel believed to be carrying a large consignment of cocaine destined for Europe. The French asset successfully intercepted the target approximately 700 nautical miles southeast of Martinique. Following…
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MAOC-N supports Spanish operation in Galicia – over 1 tonne of cocaine seized
In the last days, a joint Spanish operation conducted by the National Police and Guardia Civil, led to the seizure of 1100Kg of cocaine off the Galician coast. By the end of 2024, there had been intelligence indicating that a go-fast type of vessel would depart from Galicia, with the objective of collecting a significant…