EUROPEAN POLICE TARGET COCAINE SMUGGLERS

An international effort to target cocaine trafficking will begin today
with the launch of a new intelligence centre to monitor South American
drug smugglers crossing the Atlantic.

Using Royal Navy warships and UK narcotics officers, the Lisbon-based
Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre aims to intercept shipments
before they reach Europe.

During a six-month trial, officers have already seized almost 11
tonnes of cocaine.

The centre, which combines the efforts of officers from seven European
countries, was conceived following mounting concern over the
continent's growing cocaine consumption.

Policing and security minister Vernon Coaker said: 'This will help
target cocaine smugglers by sharing intelligence with other countries
and co-ordinating rapid air and sea operations, making the best use of
law enforcement and military resources to stop attempted drug runs
across the Atlantic.

'By taking an active role in this innovative drug trafficking centre
we are cutting down the pathways used by those serious criminals
attempting to infest our country with cocaine.'