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Between 2023 and 2024, several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela , have positioned themselves as key players in illegal cocaine trafficking .
According to the International Center for Research and Analysis against Maritime Narcotrafficking (CMCON), the main modus operandi of the cartels is to contaminate containers in strategic seaports, taking advantage of the fact that only 1.8% of containers are scanned.
Given the sophistication of criminal networks, the European Union is stepping up its efforts to collaborate with key countries on cocaine trafficking routes.
During the European Union-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit, held in July 2023, a declaration was issued to strengthen security, justice and the fight against transnational criminal networks.
Regional programmes such as PACTO, EUROFRONT and COPOLAD III were implemented to strengthen institutional security capacities and improve efficiency in the fight against drug trafficking.
Information
One of the biggest challenges in this international cooperation is the exchange of information.
Furthermore, the adaptability of criminal networks, which constantly change their routes, requires effective coordination between agencies and accurate measurement of the implementation of strategies to identify results, detect failures and adjust plans when necessary.
Modus operandi of drug trafficking in ports
Criminal groups are diversifying their methods of transporting cocaine and other drugs, such as heroin, cannabis, methamphetamines and fentanyl, taking advantage of porous borders and flexible maritime routes.
According to CMCON, cartels use containers and high-board vessels as their main means of transport, operating in both large and secondary ports.
In addition, the manipulation of technological systems in ports is identified, taking advantage of the growing dependence on information and communications technologies (ICT) to facilitate illicit trafficking.
Technology has improved the operational efficiency of ports, but it has also created new vulnerabilities.
Cartels employ techniques such as PIN fraud, cloning of container codes and the use of specialized equipment to extract illegal shipments.
In this digitalized environment, cybersecurity threats become a new battlefront in the fight against drug trafficking.
Corruption and customs security
Corruption is another factor that facilitates drug trafficking. Cartels manage to infiltrate customs operations by bribing officials, ensuring that containers loaded with drugs are not inspected.
To combat this practice, the European Union has proposed strengthening customs controls through stricter checks on staff, such as non-criminal background checks.
However, this measure faces legal challenges as it may conflict with personal data protection laws in force in several countries.
Europol estimates that 60% of criminal networks rely on corruption to operate, and around €4.1 billion in illicit assets were seized in the European Union in 2020 and 2021, underlining the scale of the problem.
Strengthening European cooperation
In response to this complex situation, the European Union launched the Strategy against Organised Crime 2021-2025 , which includes the European Ports Alliance .
This strategy seeks to strengthen port security through collaboration between countries, improved technological and operational capabilities, and reform of the customs union to adapt to current security needs.
In addition, since 2016, Europol has extended its mandate to strengthen police cooperation in the European Union.
One of the key proposals is a new code of cooperation that would allow for the adoption of directives to improve the exchange of information between security services and customs, ensuring that the response against criminal networks is rapid and coordinated.
Honduran containers in the spotlight
On February 1, 2019, authorities in Livorno, Italy, found 644 kilos of cocaine hidden in a container loaded with Honduran coffee.
On March 21, 2024, more than half a ton of cocaine was found in a Panamanian port inside a container originating in Honduras and destined for Sweden.
On September 29, 2022, Panamanian police authorities reported through a statement the seizure of 988 packages of alleged cocaine that were destined for Belgium .
Puerto Cortes certified
Puerto Cortés, recognized for its certification as a safe port, has a non-intrusive gamma ray inspection system in operation since 2004.
It is also part of the Secure Container Initiative , which includes the presence of two U.S. Border Protection officers in daily operations, customs officials said.
The port is also home to a container control unit sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as the megaports initiative supported by the United States Department of Energy .
However, despite these strict security measures and international collaboration, criminal networks continue to find ways to evade controls, taking advantage of the gaps that still exist in the system.
