Category: Institutional

On 18/04/2024, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted the Swedish Ambassador to Portugal, Elisabeth Eklund, at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Ms Eklund, who is also Ambassador to Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, was briefed by one of the analysts on some of the Centre’s past and current operations, with an emphasis…

Vice-Admiral Jean-François Querat, Maritime Prefect and Commander in Chief of French forces in the Atlantic, recently paid a visit to MAOC-N alongside his staff. During the meeting, the Vice-Admiral had the opportunity to delve into the operations conducted at the Centre and the cooperation efforts among partner countries aimed at combatting international organised crime in…

On April 5th, 2024, MAOC (N) was awarded the “Nécora de Oro” ⚜️ at the Annual Gala of the Fundación Galega Contra o Narcotrafico in Galicia, Spain. This award is given annually by the Fundación in recognition of the work carried out by different people and entities in the fight against drug trafficking. The Executive…

As of March 31st, 2024, MAOC-N proudly welcomes Germany into its fold of partner countries. With this accession, Germany joins France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom in a united front against drug trafficking in the Atlantic and Mediterranean maritime and aerial domains. Germany’s accession to MAOC-N reflects the strategy of the…

The Executive Director of MAOC-N recently welcomed Commander Claire Rees of the Australian Border Force at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Commander Rees, who was accompanied by Australian Border Force Counsellor Matt Rower, engaged in a comprehensive briefing by the team leader analyst on the Centre’s activities and operations. The visit aimed to foster closer…

This week, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted the Coordinator for the Atlantic Centre – Rear Admiral Nuno Noronha Bragança – at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon to discuss shared challenges and goals regarding maritime security in the Atlantic. The Executive Director of MAOC-N and the Coordinator for the Atlantic Centre expressed mutual enthusiasm for their shared…

On 22/02/2024, in a significant stride towards bolstering collaborative efforts in maritime security, the Executive Director of MAOC-N engaged in a pivotal visit to the Portuguese Aerial Command headquarters in Lisbon. Joined by its 2nd Commander, General Teodorico Lopes, and its Director for Air Operations, General João Vicente, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to…

On 15/02/2023, the Executive Director of MAOC-N received the Minister of Justice of Portugal, Catarina Sarmento e Castro, at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon. Minister Castro was briefed on some of the Centre’s operations with a particular focus on the vulnerabilities of the Gulf of Guinea and the emergence of new maritime drug trafficking routes…

MAOC-N extends its deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the two Guardia Civil officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Their bravery and dedication to service will be remembered.

In 2023, MAOC-N supported and coordinated operations leading up to the seizure of over 92 tonnes of drugs – including a yearly record amount of cocaine – showcasing the effectiveness of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in tackling transnational drug trafficking. The Centre is looking forward to another productive year, in collaboration with the MAOC-N…