Gardaí and Colombian police sign co-operation pact to thwart growing cocaine trade

The United Nations estimates that the South American country supplies over two-thirds of cocaine globally, with Europe surpassing the United States as the biggest market. File picture

Gardaí have signed an agreement with Colombian police to work together to counteract the booming cocaine trade and share security intelligence.

The United Nations estimates that the South American country supplies over two-thirds of cocaine globally, with Europe surpassing the United States as the biggest market.

Cartels from across Europe — particularly Italian mafia and Albanian criminal networks — operate with Colombian suppliers and cartels to supply Europe. The Kinahan crime cartel also has deep contacts in Colombia and other Irish gangs have representatives there.

Gardaí have had a liaison officer in the capital Bogota since 2020. In subsequent years there were high-profile visits by then Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and then Deputy Garda Commissioner (now commissioner) Justin Kelly.

In a statement, Garda HQ said it and the Colombian National Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding last May.

“The agreement reflects the strong and growing relationship that has been carefully developed between both organisations over recent years,” it said. 

“The signing formalises existing co-operation and provides a framework for enhanced information sharing, operational collaboration, training opportunities and the exchange of best practice in tackling serious and organised crime.” 

It said the MoU followed reciprocal visits between the two police forces, which built trust, professional relationships and understanding.

Commissioner Kelly said: "An Garda Síochána has developed an extensive network of international Garda Liaison Officers strengthening our ties with international and local law enforcement agencies. 

"I am delighted to have signed this MoU with the Colombian National Police which is another step in demonstrating and strengthening that close international co-operation, disrupting degrading and dismantling transnational Organised Crime Groups.” 

Director General of the National Police of Colombia, General William Oswaldo Rincón, said: "An Garda Síochána of Ireland and the Colombian National Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly combat organised crime and terrorism.

"The agreement officially establishes the framework for co-operation between both institutions, enabling them to join forces in the investigation and exchange of criminal intelligence regarding transnational crime and serious offences affecting both nations.

"This historic agreement entails the activation of direct police communication channels that will allow for the real-time sharing of strategic, technical and scientific data, excluding matters of national security.”

A new Colombian president was elected in August.

• Cormac O’Keeffe, security correspondent