EU Launches Port Alliance in Effort to Combat Drug Trafficking

In order to combat the rising issue of drug trafficking and criminal infiltration in ports, the European Commission, alongside various EU member states and agencies, have launched a new initiative - the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership.

The new partnership aligns with the EU’s roadmap aimed at addressing and fighting Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime, as well as President von der Leyen’s pledge to fight the criminal infiltration of European ports by 2024. 

There has been a significant rise in cocaine seizures in the EU in recent years, with criminal networks utilising corruption, violence, and intimidation to secure their profit. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium reported confiscating a record 121 metric tonnes of cocaine in 2023. This marked a 10% increase from 2022. 

Ports are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by high-risk criminal networks, given that they account for a sheer 75% of EU external trade volumes and 31$ of internal trade. The criminals often use ports to transit containers bearing illegal goods, such as drugs. This criminal venture poses exponential security threats to the EU. 

The newly formed partnership aims to strengthen risk management and implement effective controls to bolster law enforcement operations in ports. The partnership also aims to raise awareness and offer support to private shipping companies and port authorities in their fight against criminal activities. 

Following the launch, a joint declaration will follow, aiming to demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement, public and private operators, and customs working in ports to work collectively to tackle the threats that organised crime poses. 

For the European Commission, the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking is a top priority, as outlined in the EU Security Union Strategy, the EU Strategy on Drugs, and the EU Strategy to Tackle Organised Crime. The new European Ports Alliance forms a flagship initiative aimed at encouraging the collaboration of all relevant public and private actors in combating the criminal infiltration of logistics hubs.