SEACOP, Regional Security System sign MoU on fight against trafficking at sea

On 30 August 2023, SEACOP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Security System in Barbados to further strengthen the fight against maritime and port trafficking in the Caribbean.  “In light of our long-standing collaboration with the RSS and the complementary nature of our activities, we are pleased to see this partnership officialised today,”…

Grenada hails SEACOP support to ‘strengthening of local relationships’

We are thrilled to announce that SEACOP convened its 2nd National Steering Committee in Grenada last week, marking another milestone in our joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime in the Caribbean region. In a meeting chaired by Assistant Chief of Police John Mitchell, the Grenadian authorities thanked the SEACOP project for the…

News Brief – Week of 21 August 2023

22.08.23 – 700kg of cocaine caught en route to the Canary Islands. Europol has supported the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) in dismantling a criminal organisation smuggling large quantities of cocaine from South America to the EU via the Canary Islands. The operation also involved law enforcement authorities from Croatia, Italy and Serbia. The investigation…

News Brief – Week of 14 August 2023

16.08.23 – How undercover sting outwitted pangolin traffickers. The leaders of a global wildlife trafficking gang have been convicted after a four-year investigation and a trial in Nigeria. They pleaded guilty last month to smuggling the scales of endangered African pangolins. These “top-of-the-pyramid” traffickers were responsible for half the illegal trade in pangolin scales. This…

SEACOP conducts assessment of Togo’s maritime control units’ capabilities

This week, as part of the concluding activities of SEACOP V, Deputy Regional Coordinator for Africa Akizi-Egnim AKALA was in Togo 🇹🇬 to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Joint Maritime Control Units (JMCUs) situated at Lomé Port. During this pivotal assignment, Mr. Akala assessed the JMCUs’ organisational, logistical, and operational capacities.💡 Over the past year, the country’s…

ESACD brings together prominent stakeholders from Eastern and Southern Africa to discuss drug trafficking and consumption within the region

On 10-11 August 2023, during the second High-Level Meeting of the GIFP action the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD), prominent figures and experts discussed critical issues on drug trafficking and consumption throughout the region. The event was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who reiterated his country’s…

News Brief – Week of 31 July 2023

02.08.23 – El Salvador sends 8,000 troops and police officers to comb rural province in massive anti-gang raid. El Salvador sent about 8,000 soldiers and police officers to comb the rural province of Cabañas for street gang members Tuesday, in one of the most massive raids since President Nayib Bukele declared a crackdown on the…

SEACOP continues to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen maritime security

 Last month, the government of Guyana and SEACOP held a successful National Steering Committee meeting, aimed at discussing maritime security matters and at laying the groundwork for strategic advancements in this domain. Convened by the newly appointed focal point for Guyana and Head of Customs Anti- Narcotic Unit (CANU), James G Singh, the meeting came following a discussion between SEACOP representatives and Minister of Home…