Category: Institutional

MAOC-N recently took part in two separate high-level events in Brussels focused on maritime security and the fight against illicit drug trafficking. The first, hosted by the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the European Union, brought together representatives from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss cooperation against drug trafficking at sea and support…

MAOC-N recently convened its Executive Board Meeting (EBM) at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon, bringing together senior representatives from its member countries to review progress and reinforce collective efforts in combating maritime drug trafficking. The meeting provided an important opportunity for participants to assess ongoing operations, discuss strategic developments, and consider future initiatives aimed at…

MAOC-N recently hosted a delegation from the Italian Guardia di Finanza at its headquarters, in a visit led by the Executive Director of MAOC-N. The meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce longstanding partnerships and to discuss ongoing cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean region, in coordination with Frontex and its representative. The delegation was composed of…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N participated in the G7 Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FOGG) plenary session held in Paris on 15 and 16 April, where discussions addressed a range of issues impacting maritime safety and security in the region. During the session, the Director presented the growing threats linked to drug trafficking routes…

H.E the Minister of the Interior of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, recently visited the headquarters of MAOC-N in Lisbon, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking across the Atlantic. Also in attendance were the Spanish Ambassador to Portugal, Juan Fernández Trigo, and the Director of the Centro de Inteligencia Contra…

MAOC-N had the honour of welcoming France’s Minister of Justice (Garde des Sceaux), Gérald Darmanin, to its headquarters in Lisbon. The visit was hosted by the Centre’s Executive Director and Head of Operations, who presented MAOC‑N’s ongoing work and operational priorities in the fight against maritime drug trafficking. Minister Darmanin was accompanied by Laureline Peyrefitte,…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Spanish Guardia Civil to the Centre’s headquarters, reinforcing the strong collaborative relationship between both organisations in the fight against maritime drug trafficking. The delegation included a Lieutenant Colonel, Head of the Counter-Narcotics Department, and a Lieutenant Colonel, Head of the Regional Centre…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N, José Ferreira, visited the headquarters of EUROPOL in The Hague for high-level discussions on strengthening operational coordination in the fight against maritime drug trafficking. During the visit, Mr Ferreira met with Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong partnership between MAOC-N and…

MAOC-N hosted Martin Cauchi-Inglott, Project Director of the EU CRIMARIO project, for a working visit focused on cooperation in maritime security and counter-narcotics. CRIMARIO is a EU-funded project that supports maritime authorities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, by improving information sharing, coordination, and situational awareness, including through tools such as the IORIS platform. Discussions covered operational…

MAOC-N was pleased to welcome the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Dr Susan Steele, on an official visit to its headquarters this week. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise between the two organisations, both of which play a key role in enhancing maritime security and across…