25.10.24 – Two Key Figures of Notorious Serbian Clan Arrested in Barcelona. The Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional), in collaboration with Europol and six other European partners, have arrested two senior members of the notorious Serbian “Vračar Clan”, dismantling a key faction of the group. The clan leader was apprehended in Barcelona on 18 October,…
Strengthening International Cooperation in Maritime Security Improving the exchange of information and promoting joint operations across the Pacific-Caribbean region, with a clear international outlook for future cooperation with European countries, was at the center of our launch event last week in Cartagena, Colombia. From 17-19 October 2024, the SEACOP-GRES PUERTOS Special Response Group strategy was…
From 29 September to 13 October 2024, SEACOP took part in the SIREN mission, an initiative of the Yaoundé Architecture, in collaboration with the CECLANT (Atlantic Maritime Zone Command), taking place on board the PHA [FRA] Dixmude. The programme, a veritable on-board academy, brought together 32 trainees from 17 countries, representing the key players in…
“The threats we face—piracy, drug trafficking, terrorism, and smuggling—require innovative and proactive solutions. This mentoring is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to remain one step ahead of these emerging challenges,” stated Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Sierra Leone. Speaking on the occasion of the mentoring…
10.10.24 – Europol supports Latvia in dismantling major synthetic drug lab network. The Latvian State Police (Valsts policija) in collaboration with Europol, has successfully dismantled a large-scale clandestine laboratory involved in the production of synthetic drugs across the European Union. The illegal laboratory was a key site for synthetic drug production in Europe, highlighted by…
SEACOP held its 3rd International Seminar in its Series of Case Studies and Threats Strategy on Friday, 11 October 2024, at the Colombian Navy’s facilities in Cartagena de Indias. Knowledge of the threat is fundamental to effectively combat transnational organised crime. In this context, and taking into account the start of operations of the Port…
SEACOP’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in West Africa continues, with a focused Maritime Intelligence Unit (MIU) mentoring activity carried out in Banjul, The Gambia from 30 September to 4 October 2024. Building on the MIU basic training held earlier this year, SEACOP aimed to boost the operational capacities of MIU staff to collaboratively profile…
03.10.24 – 5 tonnes of trafficked glass eels seized and new smuggling routes identified in global operation. A Europol-supported operation against glass eel trafficking involving over 30 countries worldwide has unveiled, for the first time, two new smuggling routes passing through Sub-Saharan countries. Up until now, glass eels were illegally fished in Europe, mainly in…
Last week (23-27 Sept 2024) SEACOP organised an advanced training in narcotics search on vessels in Buenos Aires, aimed at empowering the authorities of Argentina from the Prefectura Naval, Customs, and Federal Police to enhance their skills in maritime security. Attended by 12 participants, the course was delivered by experts from GOIT of the Spanish…
