The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the participation of its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally, and the Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, Mr. James Singh, in the sixth phase of the SEACOP project. This critical initiative commenced in 2010 and has now entered its latest phase, inaugurated on June 17, 2024. The event has brought together over 80 participants from both sides of the Atlantic, including high-level officials from more than 20 countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, and West Africa. The assembly is being held in Portugal, alongside European Union (EU) and international partners.

The SEACOP project initially targeted Senegal, Ghana, and Cape Verde, addressing the urgent need for intervention in drug trafficking routes from Latin America to Africa. Subsequent phases expanded its scope to include the Caribbean and Latin America to counter the origin and transit of illicit activities effectively. Guyana was fortunate to participate in previous phases of this exposure.

Over the next three years, SEACOP VI will focus on supporting the fight against illicit maritime trafficking and associated criminal networks. The project is designed to enhance security, public health, and socio-economic development by mitigating the negative impacts of these illegal activities.

Project Objectives:

1. Strengthening Analytical Capacities:

o Enhance the ability to identify and analyze suspect vessels.

o Improve information exchange on illicit maritime and inland waterway trafficking, including environmental crimes.

2. Maritime Search and Interception:

o Bolster maritime search and interception capabilities for illicit goods, including environmental crime-related items.

3. Improving Cooperation and Information Exchange:

o Foster regional and trans-regional cooperation and information exchange.

o Promote law enforcement operations.

Inauguration of SEACOP VI:

The inauguration of SEACOP VI was marked by a keynote address from Isabel Candela of the European Commission. She emphasized the deepening of established work lines from previous phases and the integration of new technologies to achieve greater results. Additionally, Candela highlighted the importance of strengthening synergies with other projects such as EMPACT and welcomed the inclusion of new countries like Costa Rica and Suriname.

While the project will continue to prioritize the fight against cocaine trafficking, SEACOP VI will also address other forms of illicit trafficking, particularly the illegal trade of hardwoods, as emphasized by Candela.

Funded by the European Union and led by Expertise France with the support of FIIAPP, SEACOP VI will be implemented across West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. FIIAPP will coordinate activities in Latin America, with the support of specialists from the National Police