Within the framework of the EU-funded SEACOP project, the innovative GRES-Atlantico-SUR initiative has achieved impressive results since its inception. In just one month, more than five tonnes of cocaine and one tonne of marijuana -among others- bound for Europe have been seized.
The GRES-Atlantico-SUR, which brings together Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Senegal, is part of a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking and organised crime, spanning from the Paraná Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean.
Coordinated Efforts Across Five Nations Yield Significant Seizures and Arrests
In the first month of its operation, the GRES-Atlantico-SUR has already showcased its effectiveness. This special maritime-river response unit was established to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime with a 360º strategy, emphasising international cooperation and intelligence sharing. The operations conducted across strategic maritime ports and marinas, including Santos, Montevideo, Rio La Plata, Dakar and Asunción, resulted in:
- 4 tons of cocaine seized in Paraguay, valued at more than 130 million euros
- 800 kilograms of cocaine seized in Argentina
- 380 kilograms of cocaine seized in Brazil
- 1000 kilograms of marijuana seized in Paraguay
- More than 10 individuals captured in coordinated operations
- Over 15 cargo ships and pleasure craft inspected
- More than 10 maritime containers inspected
- Numerous aircraft operational controls conducted
These notable results have been made possible through a coordinated effort to exchange maritime-river intelligence and conduct joint operations. Operational Coordination Centres in Argentina and Senegal have also ensured seamless coordination across nations.
A Landmark Success in Drug Trafficking Prevention
The initiative’s success has prompted plans to expand the GRES-Atlantico-SUR, incorporating new countries and institutions to further enhance capabilities. Additionally, SEACOP aims to replicate this model with the creation of GRES-Ports, focusing on the main port terminals of the Pacific and Caribbean.
The GRES-Atlantico-SUR’s achievements have been made possible through collaboration with the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threat (EMPACT), the Central Narcotics Brigade of the Spanish National Police, Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC-N), project COLIBRI of the EU Global Illicit Flows Programme, EUROFRONT, and Ibero-American Network of Anti-Drug Prosecutors (RFAI). This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global threat of drug trafficking and organised crime.
