The 3rd conference of the “European Ports Alliance” was held in Hamburg, aiming to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Interior ministers from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain met with their South American counterparts to discuss enhancing port and logistics chain security. The primary focus was on curbing the increasing imports of narcotics, particularly cocaine, from South America.
During the 3rd conference of the “European Ports Alliance,” participants adopted the “Hamburg Declaration.” This declaration commits signatories to coordinated actions such as dismantling criminal networks, intensifying financial investigations, boosting investigative cooperation with South American states, and reinforcing security and supply chain control measures.
Key measures include heightened prevention of corruption within port companies and improved collaboration between public authorities and private sector entities. Representatives from Sweden, the European Commission, EUROPOL, EUROJUST, and the World Shipping Council also contributed to the discussions.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by the rising quantities of narcotics seized in European ports. In 2023 alone, Germany intercepted at least 43 tonnes of cocaine, with 34 tonnes seized in Hamburg. The Netherlands seized 59.1 tonnes, while Belgium confiscated a staggering 116 tonnes. These figures highlight the critical need for robust international cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking networks and secure European ports.
Read an another article about this subjet : EU Launches European Ports Alliance to Combat Drug Trafficking
