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 high-speed vessels for cocaine smuggling, as well as their expanding operational range across the Atlantic Ocean.
Against this backdrop, the member countries of MAOC (N) have joined forces to carry out a joint operation codenamed GALGO. A coordinated and effective multinational response was ensured by the contributions of all MAOC (N) member countries, in particular Portugal, France, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom, who provided a wide range of operational resources.
Given the vast maritime area covered by the operation, the participating countries deployed three frigates, three surveillance aircraft and two helicopters, which were distributed across multiple intelligence-led predetermined zones as part of a combined transnational effort.
This coordinated action resulted in the detection of several ‘go-fast’ vessels in international waters, including the successful interception of a speedboat carrying over 2.3 tonnes of cocaine. Since such vessels usually fail to comply with law enforcement orders to stop, the French naval unit involved in the interception had to use force to disable the vessel’s engines.
The French boarding team detained the four crew members and seized the illicit cargo, which was then handed over to the Spanish authorities in an outstanding example of international judicial cooperation.
Operation GALGO was coordinated through MAOC (N) and involved close cooperation among several international partners, including the French Navy, the French Anti-Drugs Office (OFAST), the French Customs Intelligence Unit (DNRED) and Coast Guard Service (SGCD), the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Joint Interagency Task Force – South, the Portuguese Navy, Air Force, Judicial Police (PJ), the General Command and the Tactical Operations Group (GAT) of the Maritime Police, the Spanish authorities and the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office.
The success of Operation GALGO stands as a testament to the strength of collective effort. This outcome reflects the shared commitment, expertise and determination of all the partners involved, whose coordinated efforts were crucial in overcoming the significant challenges associated with the interception of go-fast vessels. Such operations are complex, high-risk and demanding by their very nature, and this result is a joint victory for all partners involved.
