Category: Institutional

MAOC (N) had the pleasure of welcoming Rob Jones, Director General of Operations at the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), to its headquarters in Lisbon on 6 October 2025. During the visit, Mr Jones met with MAOC (N)’s Executive Director, Jose Ferreira, and was briefed on the pivotal role of MAOC-N in coordinating efforts…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted Hugues Moret, Special Envoy of President Emmanuel Macron for the European Political Community (Communauté Politique Européenne – CPE) at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Mr Moret was welcomed to MAOC-N’s headquarters and received a briefing on the Centre’s operational activities and strategic priorities.…

MAOC (N) recently welcomed a delegation from the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic (MIFCLANT) for an operational briefing and exchange of expertise. The visiting delegation, composed of US Coast Guard officers, included Captain Benjamin Golightly (MIFCLANT) and Captain Matthew A Michaelis (USAFRICOM). During the visit, a MAOC (N)’s Head Analyst provided an overview of the…

MAOC (N) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Jose Ferreira. Ferreira, a Criminal Investigation Coordinator in the Portuguese Judicial Police, brings almost 27 years of experience in law enforcement, including extensive leadership of investigative and intelligence teams dedicated to tackling international drug trafficking. With a long-standing connection to MAOC (N),…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N recently welcomed Rebecca Jonassen, of the New Zealand Customs, to the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Ms. Jonassen received a comprehensive briefing from a Senior Analyst on the Centre’s activities and operational framework. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between MAOC-N and New Zealand authorities and to explore opportunities for enhanced…

MAOC (N) was honoured to welcome EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner and his delegation to its headquarters in Lisbon this week. The visit marks a significant moment for the Centre, reflecting continued high-level engagement and support for MAOC (N)’s mission in the fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking by sea and by air. Commissioner…

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…

In the last weeks MAOC-N has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Argentinian Ministry of Security with the common objective of enhancing maritime security and preventing maritime illicit drug trafficking. The signature of the MoU took place during the EU CLASI Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in the beginning of March. MAOC-N was represented…

MAOC (N) and the Colombian Air Force have signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in the fight against international drug trafficking. The agreement aims to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated efforts to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across maritime and aerial domains. The MoU outlines a…

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…