A MAOC-N supported operation has resulted in the seizure of approximately 2627kg of cocaine and the arrest of four suspected drug traffickers off the Portuguese coast.
The operation, named BUONGIORNO, was conducted by the Portuguese Judicial Police, in close cooperation with the Portuguese Navy, the Maritime Police and the Portuguese Air Force.
The investigation was initiated following intelligence shared through MAOC-N as part of international law enforcement cooperation and in close collaboration with the Italian authorities. The intelligence led to the identification of a go-fast vessel suspected of transporting a significant cocaine shipment towards Europe.
On 23 July, the vessel was detected, intercepted and boarded approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Cabo Espichel, Portugal. Officers recovered the cocaine on board and arrested four suspects, two Spanish nationals, one British national and one Albanian national.
This successful operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling maritime drug trafficking, with MAOC-N supporting operational coordination between partner authorities in line with its mandate. It also confirms the continued use of go-fast vessels by organised crime groups to transport cocaine and highlights the considerable challenges these high-speed vessels present for detection and interception at sea.
Press release: https://www.policiajudiciaria.pt/operacao-buongiorno-desmantelada-rede-que-introduzia-grandes-quantidades-de-droga-na-europa/
