News

  • Operation SOMBRA NEGRA: Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in the Canary Islands

    Operation SOMBRA NEGRA: Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in the Canary Islands

    The Spanish National Police has dismantled a major criminal network involved in trafficking cocaine from South America to the Canary Islands using high-speed vessels. The operation followed months of investigation and resulted in 48 arrests. Those detained formed part of a hierarchical organisation with coordinators based in the Canary Islands responsible for receiving and distributing…


  • The Belgian Drug Commissioner Visits MAOC-N

    The Belgian Drug Commissioner Visits MAOC-N

    The Belgian Drug Commissioner, Mme Ine Van Wymersch, visited the Centre following Belgium’s official accession to MAOC-N in July 2024. During the visit, the Commissioner and her delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the Centre’s activities, as well as the latest developments and trends in maritime drug trafficking. The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity…


  • Brazilian Authorities Seize Semi-Submersible in Remote Area of the State of Pará

    Brazilian Authorities Seize Semi-Submersible in Remote Area of the State of Pará

    A joint operation by the Federal Police, Air Force, and the Brazilian Navy resulted in the seizure of a semi-submersible that was being prepared to cross the Atlantic to Europe, carrying a significant amount of cocaine. This operation follows the seizure of 6 tons of cocaine aboard a similar vessel, last March by Portuguese authorities.…


  • MAOC (N) Co-Leads Landmark International Conference on Semi-Submersibles in Colombia

    MAOC (N) Co-Leads Landmark International Conference on Semi-Submersibles in Colombia

    MAOC (N) recently co-organised a milestone international conference in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing together over 100 experts from 19 countries to address the growing threat of Semi-Submersible vessels in cross-Atlantic drug trafficking. In partnership with the Colombian Armada Nacional, which has significant operational experience in interdicting semi-submersibles, this three-day event featured workshops, capability demonstrations, and invaluable…


  • MAOC-N Strengthens Cooperation with Suriname in the Fight Against International Drug Trafficking

    MAOC-N Strengthens Cooperation with Suriname in the Fight Against International Drug Trafficking

    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…


  • 630kg of Cocaine Seized in French-Led Operation Targeting Maritime “Drop Off” Method

    630kg of Cocaine Seized in French-Led Operation Targeting Maritime “Drop Off” Method

    A large-scale international operation has led to the seizure of 630 kg of cocaine, the coast of northern France. The drugs were transferred at sea using the “drop off” method, involving a cargo vessel from Brazil and smaller vessels operated by French nationals. The successful operation was the result of a long investigation by French…