From 11 to 14 November 2024, the Special Response Group – GRES PUERTOS initiative held its first operational meeting at the Port of Callao, bringing together operational and strategic focal points from Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Peru.
With the objective of enhancing information exchange and conducting joint operations, this initiative has taken a significant step forward through the incorporation of the CRIMARIO II Project, which provided the IORIS platform. This tool enables authorities to efficiently exchange and manage information—paving the way for stronger, more secure trade connections between the Pacific, Caribbean, and their European destinations.
Not only focused on port-level security, GRES PORTS is also a comprehensive strategy that connects various inter-project efforts within the broader SEACOP framework. It leverages the objectives and tools from initiatives like CCP, CRIMJUST, EMPACT, and El PACcTO, all crucial to the success of this initiative. Strengthening the collaborative efforts to combat maritime drug trafficking, enhance regional cooperation, and improve judicial responses, they provide a shared platform for information exchange, capacity building, and joint operations.
Over the four days, participants:
- Engaged with the IORIS platform, receiving practical training and initiating operational scenarios.
- Explored current and emerging threats in the region.
- Discussed a robust work methodology and established a roadmap for upcoming activities.
This launch shines a light on the importance of both horizontal and vertical integration in GRES PORTS. Horizontally, the initiative brings together various port actors and inter-project stakeholders, while vertically, it focuses on enhancing knowledge of the threat, facilitating networking, improving information sharing, and reinforcing coordination for interdiction and prosecution.
Key operational advancements include the introduction of:
- Case studies on controlled deliveries,
- An operational manual for secure procedures,
- A dictionary of techniques and modalities, and
- The preparation of information bulletins to guide future operations.
This successful collaboration owes much to the support of the CRIMARIO II Project, the facilitation by DEVIDA, and the invaluable partnership of the National Port Authority of Callao.
