Category: Institutional

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…

On 11/12/2023, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted the Ambassador of Germany to Portugal at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon. Ambassador Julia Molnar visited the Centre following Germany’s recent accession to MAOC (N), which is expected to take place formally in the course of next year. The ambassador was briefed on the Centre’s activities and…

The Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal Alma NíChoigligh, who is also the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), was recently received by the Executive Director of MAOC-N at the Centre’s headquarters in Lisbon. During her visit to MAOC-N, the Ambassador was briefed on some of the Centre’s current operations…

On 04/12/2023, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted a delegation from several Swedish Law Enforcement authorities at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Representatives from the Swedish Police Authority (National Border Policing Section, National Operations Department, National Coordination Center – NCC) were briefed by a Senior Analyst on some of the Centre’s past and current operations,…

Last week, the Executive Director of the Centre attended the annual Interpol General Assembly, the largest gathering of senior law enforcement officials in the world, which provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement agencies worldwide to strengthen their cooperation, share intelligence, and develop strategies to address the evolution of transnational crime. During the event, the…

On 23/11/2023, the Executive Director of MAOC-N hosted Mme Ine Van Wymersch, Belgian Drug Commissioner, and the Ambassador of Belgium to Portugal, Serge Wauthier, at the Centre’s Headquarters in Lisbon. Commissioner Van Wymersch and Ambassador Wauthier were briefed by a Senior Analyst on some of the Centre’s past and current operations, with a particular focus…

Following an invitation from the Italian authorities, the Executive Director of MAOC-N and the Italian Liaison Officer to the Centre travelled to Rome (Italy) for an official meeting with the Italian Central Direction for Antidrugs Services – DCSA (Direzione Centrale Per I Servizi Antidroga), and two visits to the General Command of the Guardia di…