Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre for Narcotics: the EU-funded project disrupting the international drug trade

International drug trafficking is on the rise and constitutes a major threat to security in Europe, one of the main destination markets for illicit substances. Illicit drugs, such as cocaine and synthetic drugs, continue to drive violence, corruption and the exploitation of the legal economy, while drug use poses a serious threat to public health, as new substances further increase the risks of poisoning and overdoses.  

The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre for Narcotics – MAOC (N) – supports Europe’s fight against drug trafficking in the Atlantic and Mediterranean maritime and aerial domains. This initiative was launched by eight EU Member States, namely Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, and by the UK, and is co-funded by the Internal Security Fund of the European Commission. 

Constantly shifting maritime routes 

Maritime shipping routes are one of the main gateways for illicit drugs entering Europe, as reflected by the growing quantities of seized drugs in European ports and at sea. With over 1,800 tonnes of illicit drugs seized at or in transit to EU seaports between 2019 and 2024, ports remain the primary entry point for drugs into the EU.  

In 2023 alone, 419 tonnes of cocaine were seized across the EU, of which 80 tonnes were seized by MAOC (N). By September 2025, more than 71 tonnes of cocaine had been seized by MAOC (N) member countries in operations supported by the Centre.  

Thanks to increased controls, the number of drug seizures at major EU ports has been reduced, but criminals are constantly and rapidly adapting to law enforcement efforts, geopolitical instability, and technological advancements, by using new methods to conceal drugs or redirecting shipments to other ports. These methods – such as drop-offs at sea, go-fast vessels or semi-submersible vessels – are effectively countered by countries participating in the project.  

New methods of maritime drug trafficking  

Recent drug seizures illustrate the sustained efforts to keep pace with rapidly developing drug trade threats, and MAOC (N) has been crucial in enhancing intelligence sharing on new trafficking methods and in supporting operations to counter drug trafficking. 

In September 2025, a French Navy operation off the coast of West Africa resulted in the capture of 9.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed on board an unflagged fishing vessel. The following month, the French Navy intercepted a go-fast vessel carrying 2.4 tonnes of cocaine in international waters off Madeira. Several go-fast vessels were intercepted in international waters across the Atlantic in a large operation named GALGO. One of the vessels was trafficking more than 2.3 tonnes of cocaine. Such vessels rarely comply with orders issued by law enforcement; the French Navy, in this case, had to use force to disable the vessel’s engines.  

In a recent operation in November 2025, approximately 1,000 nautical miles off Lisbon, Portuguese authorities intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible vessel transporting more than 1.7 tonnes of cocaine.  

A joint European venture to tackle illegal drug trade 

In all these cases, the intelligence sharing and coordination efforts made by MAOC (N) were crucial for the success of the operations.  

Since it was founded, in 2007, the Centre has served as a hub for exchanging intelligence and coordinating law enforcement efforts, including with customs authorities, military, and maritime authorities in participating countries, as well as liaison officers from the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Joint Interagency Task Force – South. Naval and air assets provided by participating national authorities and its civilian and military cooperation model make MAOC (N) a leading intelligence hub of extended geographical scope.  

Find out more  

EU drugs policy 

Commission presents new EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan against drug trafficking 

EU ministers agree to strengthen European ports security and tackle drug trafficking 

Understanding Europe’s drug situation in 2025 - EUDA   

MAOC (N) - website