Category: Operational

In recent days, a maritime operation carried out by the Judicial Police and the Portuguese Navy resulted in the interception of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel transporting more than 1.7 tonnes of cocaine. Information received through MAOC-N indicated that a criminal organisation was in the process of dispatching a vessel loaded with cocaine destined for…

A major maritime operation was recently supported by MAOC (N) and conducted by several of its member states. This large-scale operation, aimed at countering the threat posed by go-fast vessels used for maritime drug trafficking, followed an operational coordination meeting convened by MAOC (N) in February 2025. The meeting addressed the growing use of these…

MAOC-N extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Portuguese GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. His courage and dedication to service will be remembered with the highest respect. The fight against drug trafficking through go-fast vessels is a dangerous and…

Spanish authorities have seized 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel named LITTLE GIRLS during a high-seas operation coordinated 600 miles southwest of the Canary Islands. The operation was led by the Spanish National Police, with the support of the Navy. It followed intelligence shared through MAOC (N), including information provided by the US Drug…

In recent days, an operation carried out by the French Navy resulted in the interception of a go-fast vessel in international waters off Madeira (Portugal). After being ordered to stop, the go-fast vessel failed to comply with the instructions of the French authorities, making it necessary to employ the use of force to immobilise the…

In recent days, a maritime operation carried out by the French Forces in the Caribbean, has resulted in the interception of a stateless fishing vessel in the Atlantic. Upon boarding the target, French operatives discovered 250 bales containing a total of 7,056 kilograms of cocaine. The six crew members and the illicit cargo were taken…

On 22 September 2025, in a significant blow against drug trafficking, two French Navy vessels seized 9.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed onboard an unflagged fishing vessel operating off the coast of West Africa. The operation was launched following a request from the French National Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations (DNRED), acting on intelligence developed…

On 29 August, the French Navy intercepted a fishing vessel in international waters off the coast of West Africa, seizing 5919 kg of cocaine. The operation was carried out at the request of the French authorities (OFAST) and followed intelligence provided by the UK (NCA) and US authorities (DEA), with the support of MAOC-N and…

On August 8, the Surveillance Services of the Spanish Customs (DAVA) and the Spanish Civil Guard conducted a maritime operation, with the support of the Spanish Armada, that resulted in the interception of the vessel SKY WHITE in international waters West of the Canary Islands, Spain. A total of 80 bales of cocaine – weighing…

On Saturday, 12 July, the French authorities successfully intercepted and boarded a vessel in international waters during a maritime counter-narcotics operation supported by MAOC (N). During the search, the boarding team uncovered 153 bales, weighing a total of 4841kg – almost five tonnes of cocaine – representing a significant disruption to the ever-evolving dynamics of…