Major European Ports Strengthen Coordination Against Cocaine Smuggling

Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp collaborate to counter escalating drug cartel activities targeting their ports.

The 'Three Ports Summit' in Hamburg brought together officials from Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp to discuss joint strategies against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Over 300 tons of cocaine were seized in EU ports last year, with record amounts found in Antwerp (121 tons), the Netherlands (60 tons), and Hamburg (35 tons).
Authorities fear increased pressure on Rotterdam and Antwerp could shift cartel activities to Hamburg, prompting the need for enhanced security measures.
Recent successes include a 2-ton cocaine seizure in Hamburg and arrests tied to a smuggling attempt involving a Dutch fishing vessel.
Officials emphasized international cooperation with Europol, customs, and private companies to combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.