The European Commission has initiated a new collaborative effort, the European Ports Alliance, to intensify efforts against drug trafficking via Europe’s ports.
This initiative arises amidst a significant surge in drug smuggling across Europe and concerns about the increasing influence of drug cartels on port operations.
Officials recognize that ports, due to their heavy traffic, are particularly susceptible to drug smuggling and exploitation by dangerous criminal networks.
“Europe has a drug problem – and it is getting worse,” said Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy during today’s event in Antwerp.
“To tackle the growing inflows of cocaine and other illicit substances into the EU, we need customs, law enforcement, and port authorities to work more closely and more effectively together,” the statement read.
“That is what the European Ports Alliance aims to do. By bringing together local, national, and European authorities in this public-private partnership, we can pool the expertise and resources needed to tackle this scourge.”
They noted that drug trafficking is one of the most profitable criminal activities, with the use of containers being a common strategy. According to EU officials, about 70% of drug seizures by customs occur in ports.
The European Port Alliance aims to mobilize the customs community to combat drug trafficking. Its strategy includes enhancing targeted and effective controls in ports and bolstering law enforcement against criminal groups.
The Alliance plans to collaborate and coordinate with various law enforcement agencies such as Europol, Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and within the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats.
The initiative is also designed to increase awareness across the industry, including among shipping companies, and to support port authorities in their role in countering drug trafficking and criminal infiltration.
The focus will be on identifying vulnerabilities, exchanging best practices, and devising practical solutions to improve port security.
Efforts will be made to tackle issues like intimidation, corruption, and criminal infiltration in ports. This will be achieved by implementing international and EU security standards and fostering cooperation between law enforcement, customs, and both public and private operators in ports.
The launch of this initiative will be marked by a joint declaration, signifying the commitment of law enforcement, customs, and port operators, both public and private.
Additionally, annual ministerial-level meetings are planned to discuss ongoing challenges, set strategic priorities, and provide updates on progress in combating drug smuggling.