Category: Institutional

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…

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…

In recent days, MAOC-N welcomed the Portuguese Navy Fleet Commander, Vice-Admiral Nuno Chaves Ferreira, who was joined by Commander Aristides Costa from the Centre for Analysis of Operational Data (CADOP). Vice-Admiral Ferreira and his delegation received an in-depth briefing on the Centre’s operations and recent missions conducted by MAOC-N. The briefing also included updates on…

MAOC (N) was honored to welcome Domingos Monteiro Correia, National Director of the Judicial Police of Guinea Bissau, and his Deputy Fernando Costa, at the Centre’s Headquarters, where they were presented with the MAOC (N) Crest and a Certificate of Appreciation from one of MAOC (N)’s partner agencies, the DEA. These awards recognize their outstanding…