Lisbon Treaty will help the European Union intensify the fight against organised crime - Crowley

Posted on 06/08/09 by Brian Crowley Brian Crowley MEP for the constituency of South has today said that " the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will ensure that the European Union can tackle organised crime and illegal international drug trafficking in a more determined and structured manner.

Organised crime is international by nature and the European Union has to work more closely with other countries around the world if we are to effectively tackle the scourge of illegal drug trafficking.

If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, an EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be appointed. This will help the European Union pursue policies in a global context so that we can defeat the international drug barons.
Organised crime has evolved at a time of increasing globalisation and expanding international trade so the range of organised criminal activities has also broadened and diversified.

I welcome the fact that the programme called the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics initiative is working well. This M.A.O.C. - N programme has been in operation for the past two years.

This brings together representatives from the police, naval, intelligence and customs authorities from countries based along the West coast of Europe so that we can halt cocaine importations coming into Europe from West Africa and from South America.

Some of the most high profile drug seizures which have taken place off the coast of Ireland over the past two years have been as a direct result of this M.A.O.C - N programme. "

August 6th 2009.