Author: Inês Melo

  • MAOC-N Strengthens Cooperation with Suriname in the Fight Against International Drug Trafficking

    MAOC-N Strengthens Cooperation with Suriname in the Fight Against International Drug Trafficking

    MAOC-N recently visited Suriname to foster closer cooperation in the fight against international drug trafficking. During the visit, MAOC-N’s Executive Director, Sjoerd Top, and the Centre’s Dutch Liaison Officer, were received by Suriname’s Chief of Police, Bryan Isaacs, and the Attorney General, Garcia Paragsingh. Discussions focused on developing a strong and effective partnership between MAOC-N…

  • 630kg of Cocaine Seized in French-Led Operation Targeting Maritime “Drop Off” Method

    630kg of Cocaine Seized in French-Led Operation Targeting Maritime “Drop Off” Method

    A large-scale international operation has led to the seizure of 630 kg of cocaine, the coast of northern France. The drugs were transferred at sea using the “drop off” method, involving a cargo vessel from Brazil and smaller vessels operated by French nationals. The successful operation was the result of a long investigation by French…

  • Portuguese Authorities Intercept 6.5 Tonnes of Cocaine on Semi-Submersible in Remarkable Operation in the Atlantic

    Portuguese Authorities Intercept 6.5 Tonnes of Cocaine on Semi-Submersible in Remarkable Operation in the Atlantic

    In an extraordinary operation, Portuguese authorities have successfully intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying approximately 6.5 tonnes of cocaine, marking a significant victory in the fight against transnational drug trafficking. The operation, codenamed NAUTILUS, was supported by MAOC-N and involved a swift and coordinated effort between the Portuguese authorities – Judicial Police (PJ), Navy, and Air…

  • German Authorities Seize 280kg of Cocaine in Oldenburg

    German Authorities Seize 280kg of Cocaine in Oldenburg

    On the morning of March 3, 2025, German special forces from the Lower Saxony Criminal Police (LKA) and Oldenburg’s Central Criminal Investigation Unit carried out a successful operation leading to the arrest of several individuals involved in the smuggling of a significant quantity of cocaine into Germany. Their efforts confirmed that a bulk carrier, originating…

  • MAOC (N) Hosts Operational Workshop on the Growing Threat of Go-Fast Vessels

    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…

  • Spanish Authorities Seize Over Half a Tonne of Cocaine in the Atlantic

    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…

  • The Minister of Justice of the Netherlands visits MAOC-N

    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…

  • German authorities seize 153kg of cocaine in cargo vessel at Wilhelmshaven

    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…

  • General Pierangelo Iannotti, Central Director for Italy’s DCSA, visits MAOC-N

    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…

  • Portuguese Authorities Seize Nearly 3.5 Tonnes of Cocaine Hidden in Banana Pallets

    Portuguese Authorities Seize Nearly 3.5 Tonnes of Cocaine Hidden in Banana Pallets

    The Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ) has successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking operation, seizing 3.458 tonnes of cocaine hidden in pallets of bananas. The drugs were found during a search at a Portuguese port, concealed inside boxes of bananas packed on several pallets, and transported in the holds of a cargo ship that regularly transports…

Latest Posts

Search

Follow us

Archives