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High-level delegation from Belgium visits the Centre in light of the country’s future cooperation with MAOC-N
On 23/11/2023, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted Mme Ine Van Wymersch, Belgian Drug Commissioner, and the Ambassador of Belgium to Portugal, Serge Wauthier, at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Commissioner Van Wymersch and Ambassador Wauthier were briefed by a Senior Analyst on some of the Centre’s past and current operations, with a particular focus…
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MAOC-N and the Italian authorities reaffirm their excellent cooperation following Executive Director’s visit to Rome, Italy
Following an invitation from the Italian authorities, the Executive Director of MAOC-N and the Italian Liaison Officer to the Centre travelled to Rome (Italy) for an official meeting with the Italian Central Direction for Antidrugs Services – DCSA (Direzione Centrale Per I Servizi Antidroga), and two visits to the General Command of the Guardia di…
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The Brazilian authorities seize 3 tonnes of hashish off the coast of Salvador
On 10/11/2023, a sailing vessel named THIASSI was interdicted approximately 196nm off the coast of Salvador (Brazil) by the Brazilian authorities, which had been monitoring it for a while on suspicions of drug trafficking. The German-flagged vessel, which had four crew members on board – all Brazilian nationals – was seized by the Brazilian Federal…
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MAOC-N Strengthens Ties with Irish Authorities
Last week, the Executive Director of MAOC-N – accompanied by the Irish Country Liaison Officers to the Centre – visited Ireland, with a view to enhancing collaboration with key Irish agencies, and reaffirming the excellent cooperation between the Irish authorities and MAOC-N. During the visit, discussions centered on the country’s strategic importance in fighting maritime…
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MAOC (N) supports French seizure of 885kg of cocaine off the coast of West Africa
On 04/11/2023, the French amphibious helicopter carrier MISTRAL seized 885kg of cocaine on a fishing vessel off the coast of Liberia. The French Navy – working together with the anti-drugs office (OFAST) – managed to secure another important cocaine seizure, in an area that has been particularly problematic in recent years. This large-scale operation was…
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The Australian High Commission in London visits MAOC-N
On 31/10/2023, MAOC-N hosted the Australian High Commission in London at the Centre’s headquarters, which was represented by Detective Sergeant Edwin Windle, from the Australian Federal Police, Mr Matt Rowe, Counsellor from the Australian Border Force, and Mr Aaron Jenkins, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) Liaison Office to London. This was an opportunity for the…
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MAOC-N hosts Executive Board Meeting in Palma de Mallorca
The island of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, played host to the Executive Board meeting of MAOC-N, a critical event aimed at shaping the strategic direction of the Centre. This year, the gathering was organized by the host nation, Spain – in the context of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU and it…
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Spanish authorities seized 1000 kg of cocaine in the Atlantic, supported by MAOC-N
In the last days, a joint Spanish operation conducted by the National Police, Customs (DAVA), supported by the Spanish Navy, has resulted in the seizure of 1 tonne of cocaine on board a fishing vessel originating from South America. After information was gathered that the fishing vessel was loaded with a significant amount of cocaine,…
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MAOC-N supports Irish operation off the Cork coast – 2253 kg of cocaine seized
A major multi-agency operation conducted by the Irish authorities (Gardaí, Customs, Navy and Air Corps) has resulted in the seizure of over 2 tonnes of cocaine on board a Panamanian-flagged merchant vessel, originating in the northern coast of South America. The operation was triggered after information was shared within the scope of MAOC-N, indicating that…