At a time when high-speed vessels are increasingly used for drug trafficking, the Government decided to focus on strengthening coordination between the various entities with responsibility in the maritime space.
The National Coordinating Council of the Maritime Authority System, which brings together representatives of the various security forces, met for the first time. The Defense Minister argued that the body will make the fight against drug trafficking and threats to coastal security more effective.
“Everything that involves getting entities to talk to each other, articulating what are dispersed resources (…) avoiding redundancies when the State has resources that are scarce (…) I think it is of the best advantage”, stated Nuno Melo.
The next meeting of the National Coordinating Council of the Maritime Authority System is scheduled for November.
As for resources, it is expected that in the coming years the Navy will receive 12 more vessels.
Also this Monday, a new legal regime came into force that prohibits the nighttime circulation of speedboats without prior authorization. Vessels must also have an integrated location system and be properly identified.
