Major success of the EU-funded SEACOP project: over 5 tonnes of cocaine bound for Europe seized in multinational maritime crackdown

The GRES-Atlantico-SUR is a special maritime-river response unit that was established to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime with a 360º strategy, emphasing international cooperation and intelligence sharing. Established in June 2024, it brings together Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Senegal, and 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. The operations conducted across strategic maritime ports and marinas, including Santos (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), Rio La Plata (Argentina), Dakar (Senegal).

Asunción (Paraguay), resulted in:

• 4 tons of cocaine seized in Paraguay
• 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.