News

  • EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner Visits MAOC (N) Headquarters in Lisbon

    EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner Visits MAOC (N) Headquarters in Lisbon

    MAOC (N) was honoured to welcome EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner and his delegation to its headquarters in Lisbon this week. The visit marks a significant moment for the Centre, reflecting continued high-level engagement and support for MAOC (N)โ€™s mission in the fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking by sea and by air. Commissioner…


  • 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 Belgiumโ€™s official accession to MAOC-N in July 2024. During the visit, the Commissioner and her delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the Centreโ€™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 Parรก

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

    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 Centreโ€™s Dutch Liaison Officer, were received by Surinameโ€™s Chief of Police, Bryan Isaacs, and the Attorney General, Garcia Paragsingh. Discussions focused on developing a strong and effective partnership between MAOC-N…