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Executive Director of FRONTEX visits MAOC-N Headquarters
MAOC-N was pleased to welcome Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of FRONTEX, for a visit to the Centreβs headquarters in Lisbon. The visit formed part of the ongoing dialogue between the MAOC-N and FRONTEX, offering an opportunity to exchange perspectives on international drug trafficking and the operational challenges emerging across the maritime domain. Mr Leijtens was…
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Belgian Minister of Security and Interior Visits MAOC-N to Strengthen Cooperation Against Transatlantic Drug Trafficking
MAOC-N had the honour of hosting the Belgian Minister of Security and the Interior, Mr Bernard Quintin, for a high-level visit to the Centre this week. The Minister was accompanied by the Belgian Ambassador to Portugal, Mr Bart Lammens, and the Consul-General, Ms Nadia Benini, marking a significant moment in the growing cooperation between Belgium…
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MAOC-N Executive Board Meeting and Medal of Excellence Ceremony in Lisbon
Last week, MAOC-N held its Executive Board Meeting in Lisbon. The event brought together senior representatives from the member countries to discuss ongoing operations, strategic developments, and future initiatives in the fight against maritime drug trafficking. On the second evening of the meeting, MAOC-N hosted the Medal of Excellence Ceremony, an occasion dedicated to recognising…
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MAOC-N Welcomes Admiral Soubrier at Lisbonβs HQ, Highlighting Strong Collaboration Between the Centre and French Authorities
Admiral Jean-Baptiste Soubrier, who commands the French Armed Forces in the Antilles, recently paid a visit to MAOC-N. During the meeting, the Admiral had the opportunity to delve into the operations conducted at the Centre and the cooperation efforts among partner countries aimed at combating international organised crime in the maritime domain. The MAOC-N Executive…
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Portuguese authorities seize another SPSS with the support of MAOC-N
In recent days, a maritime operation carried out by the Judicial Police and the Portuguese Navy resulted in the interception of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel transporting more than 1.7 tonnes of cocaine. Information received through MAOC-N indicated that a criminal organisation was in the process of dispatching a vessel loaded with cocaine destined for…
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Operation Galgo: Major International Effort Against the Use of Go-Fast Vessels for Drug Trafficking
A major maritime operation was recently supported by MAOC (N) and conducted by several of its member states. This large-scale operation, aimed at countering the threat posed by go-fast vessels used for maritime drug trafficking, followed an operational coordination meeting convened by MAOC (N) in February 2025. The meeting addressed the growing use of these…
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MAOC-N extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Portuguese GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. His courage and dedication to service will be remembered with the highest respect. The fight against drug trafficking through go-fast vessels is a dangerous and…
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Spanish authorities seize 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from vessel LITTLE GIRLS in Atlantic operation
Spanish authorities have seized 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel named LITTLE GIRLS during a high-seas operation coordinated 600 miles southwest of the Canary Islands. The operation was led by the Spanish National Police, with the support of the Navy. It followed intelligence shared through MAOC (N), including information provided by the US Drug…
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Visit of UNODC Representatives to MAOC-N Headquarters
The Executive Director of MAOC-N recently welcomed Ms Cristina Iampieri, Head of the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme within the Division of Operations at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to its Headquarters in Lisbon this week. Ms Iampieri was accompanied by Ms Kate Meredith, Global Programme Head at UNODC, who promoted…