10/03/2022
SEACOP V trains members of Ecuador's security forces in maritime transit and prevention of drug trafficking
Training session
SEACOP V, Global Illicit Flows Project, has organised a training on maritime transit and drug trafficking prevention. The aim of this project, funded by the European Union and managed by Expertise France, with the collaboration of the FIIAPP, works to combat illicit maritime trafficking and associated criminal networks in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.
The training took place in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and brought together 15 officials from the National Police, the Armed Forces and the National Customs Secretariat of Ecuador (SENAE).
The inauguration of the activity was attended by the regional coordinator for Latin America of the SEACOP project, the deputy commander of zone 8 of the National Police and instructors from the Spanish security force.
Alfredo Díaz Sánchez, coordinator of the project for Latin America, stressed that the illicit trafficking of goods through maritime ports, including drugs, is an international phenomenon that has a devastating and destructive impact on the entire economy and on the welfare of society in the countries of the transatlantic axis, extending from Latin America, the Caribbean, West Africa and Europe, which deserves to be confronted by all public and private sector organisations.
As highlighted by the deputy commander of Zone 8, training of members of the security forces and teamwork is essential in the immediate future to combat local and international mafias, which are involved in smuggling goods and shipping drugs for international consumption.
Seacop V focuses on strengthening the geographical and technical effectiveness of the maritime and inland waterway intelligence and control network, as well as integrating knowledge and expertise on threats emanating from transatlantic smuggling routes. And, on the other hand, to improve cooperation and information exchange at national, regional and trans-regional levels.
