The UK will be better protected from deadly cocaine as the
government strengthens crucial partnerships with Colombia and
Ecuador to tackle drug smuggling at source.
Security Minister struck a co-operation agreement as part of the first
ever visit by a security minister to the 2 countries.
Colombia remains the world's largest cocaine producer while
Ecuador has emerged as a key smuggling route, with organised
crime groups targeting UK borders.
As part of efforts to tackle the trade upstream, Home Office
International Operations, Border Force officers and UK law
enforcement have been stationed in Colombia and Ecuador. Officers
have provided training, equipment and support to enhance the
capabilities of South American law enforcement – better
preventing cocaine from reaching British borders.
This UK law enforcement presence has had a significant impact on
cocaine seizures. Of the 64 tonnes seized by the ports and
airports division of anti-narcotics police in Colombia, 50.5
tonnes can be attributed to activity supported by Home Office
International Operations. In Ecuador, Home Office International
supported the seizure of nearly 95 out of the 300 tonnes seized
by police last year.
During his visit, Minister Jarvis signed a memorandum of
understanding with Ecuador, cementing both countries' commitment
to dismantling and disrupting violent criminal networks, which
threaten the safety of communities in Britain and South America
alike.
On behalf of the UK, Minister Jarvis donated further equipment to
Ecuador's law enforcement unit to aid their operations to disrupt
illegal activity.
Security Minister said:
We will not tolerate criminal gangs exploiting international
routes and bringing harmful drugs into our communities. That's
why this government is deepening our security partnerships with
Colombia and Ecuador to strengthen our frontline fight against
organised crime.
Our agreement marks a step forward in our international efforts
to prevent drugs reaching the UK. We are making strong progress
on this with cocaine seizures by Border Force in England
increasing by 75% since last year.
As part of our Safer Streets Mission, we will leave no stone
unturned in our efforts to prevent cocaine from crossing our
border and strengthening our security, a cornerstone of this
government's Plan for Change.
In a speech, Minister Jarvis recognised the sacrifices and
bravery of frontline officers in South America to disrupt and
dismantle organised crime gangs. Officers are continuing to
protect their local communities but also communities across the
world as the war on drugs continues. The UK, Colombia and Ecuador
all remain resolute in their commitment to tackling illegal drug
smuggling.
In Colombia, Border Force officers provided bespoke training to a
team who had previously seized only 14kg of cocaine destined for
UK ports last year. Following a 2-week training course in March
this year, the team have already prevented 1.4 tonnes from
reaching the UK.
This international action comes as cocaine-related deaths in
England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023. As part of
the Plan for Change, the government is committed to making
streets safer by driving down drug misuse and harms through
prevention and treatment.
UK Border Force are also taking action to prevent cocaine from
reaching the UK border and harming communities. In January 2025,
Border Force's National Deep Rummage team seized 1.5 tonnes of
cocaine on a ship travelling from Ecuador, with an estimated
street value of just under £60 million.
There have also been record seizures of cocaine in recent years,
with over 26 tonnes seized by Border Force in England, a 75%
increase compared to the year before.
