EU funding illegal drug fight in Caribbean
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The fourth Caribbean Basin Coastal Surveillance and Maritime Security began here yesterday with the European Union announcing that it would provide euro2.5 million towards the fight against drug trafficking and international criminal networks in the Caribbean.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Ambassador Mikael Barfod said that the funding, which is being provided through the EU Seaport Co-operation Project (SEACOP) will assist with the establishment of joint national maritime intelligence units, a regional maritime information system, as well as regional and trans-regional networking and technical assistance.
The development of such infrastructure should lead to increased targeting of suspected vessels, a unified maritime intelligence system, increased drug seizures, and enhanced multi-agency co-operation.
