The European Commission (EC) has taken swift action to combat drug cartels operating in ports across the continent. Antwerp, which is considered one of the centres of the cocaine trade, has been a particular focus.

The European Union and port authorities, Europol, customs, and law enforcement agencies recently launched the European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership. This partnership, which was launched on 24 January, aims to unite all relevant stakeholders to develop solutions that will safeguard ports from drug trafficking and criminal infiltration.

According to EC's press release, the alliance will strengthen security in all EU ports with 200 million EUR to fund modern equipment, specific and efficient law enforcement operations in ports, and a Public-Private Partnership that supports port authorities and shipping companies to protect logistics, information, staff, and processes in ports.

EU's Commission for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, believes, "Europe has a drug problem - and it is getting worse."

"To tackle the growing inflows of cocaine and other illicit substances into the EU, we need customs, law enforcement and port authorities to work more closely and more effectively together," he adds.

The International Chamber of Shipping reports that about 90% of cocaine, 45% of cannabis, and 30% of stimulants similar to amphetamines are trafficked by sea.