The German Government announced this Sunday agreements to strengthen police cooperation with Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia in the fight against drug cartels, as well as against human trafficking, money laundering and environmental destruction.
“The million-dollar business of drug cartels leads to an incredible spiral of violence, which we also see in parts of Europe and which we want to prevent in Germany at any price,” declared German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser upon her return from a tour through several Latin American countries.
“At the same time, the massive demand for cocaine in Europe contributes to brutal violence, human trafficking, corruption and the destruction of the environment in the states of origin and transit,” he highlighted, according to a statement released by his Ministry.
Through the new agreements, “direct operational cooperation” has been established, said the minister, who stated that the Criminal Investigation Office of the German police will participate in joint investigations and will contribute to training their counterparts in those countries.
“Together we want to act against the masterminds, uncover the financial structures and exchange evidence of possible drug shipments as soon as possible,” said Faeser.
Specifically, in the case of Brazil, Germany has agreed to carry out joint investigations, while in the case of Peru, Faeser has signed a declaration of intent with President Dina Boluarte that will subsequently lead to the signing of a security agreement.
The Ministry also reported in its statement that in Ecuador, “despite the tense security situation,” a liaison officer from the Criminal Investigations Office will be stationed for the first time to exchange information.
Finally, the vice president of the latter institution, Martina Link, has signed a joint statement with the Colombian authorities to strengthen police cooperation.
In addition, prevention campaigns will be launched jointly with Colombia to warn, among others, of the risks of cocaine consumption. EFE
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