Author: Inês Melo

MAOC (N) recently hosted a delegation from the Belgian Public Prosecutors’ Office at its headquarters in Lisbon. The delegation was led by Mr Lode Vandaele, Prosecutor of the King from the Public Prosecution Service of West Flanders. The visit was hosted by the Executive Director, José Ferreira, and was briefed by an analyst on current…

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Portugal, John Joseph Arrigo, was recently received by the Executive Director of MAOC-N at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon. During the visit, Ambassador Arrigo was briefed on past and ongoing operations targeting the emergence of new maritime drug-trafficking routes and took part in a discussion focused…

MAOC (N) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Ireland, including Revenue Commissioners Ruth Kennedy and Maura Kiely, Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis, Assistant Secretary Tom Talbot, and Principal Officer Sean Murtagh. The delegation received a briefing and presentation by a MAOC (N) analyst on the Centre’s work, with particular emphasis on Irish-linked operations. The visit…

MAOC-N recently welcomed a delegation from the Danish National Special Crime Unit to its Lisbon Headquarters, hosted by the Executive Director. The delegation was led by Mr Torben Granat Svarrer, Deputy Commander for Investigation, Intelligence and Analysis. The meeting allowed both sides to exchange views on ongoing cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint efforts to counter…

MAOC-N was pleased to welcome Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of FRONTEX, for a visit to the Centre’s 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…

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…

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…

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…