UK deepens partnership with Colombia, Ecuador to tackle drug smuggling

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Britain has stepped up efforts to deepen security partnerships with Colombia and Ecuador in a bid to tackle drug smuggling as cocaine-related deaths rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, according to a statement on Wednesday.

As part of efforts to tackle drug smuggling, Home Office International Operations, Border Force officers and UK law enforcement have been stationed in Colombia and Ecuador, a Foreign Office statement said.

It came after British Security Minister Dan Jarvis struck a cooperation agreement as part of the first-ever visit by a security minister to the two countries.

During his visit, Jarvis signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) 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.

"Officers have provided training, equipment and support to enhance the capabilities of South American law enforcement – better preventing cocaine from reaching British borders," the statement added.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said they will not tolerate criminal gangs exploiting international routes and bringing harmful drugs into their communities.

"That’s why this government is deepening our security partnerships with Colombia and Ecuador to strengthen our frontline fight against organised crime," he said.

Hailing the enhanced partnership with Colombia and Ecuador, Jarvis said cocaine seizures by the UK Border Force in England have increased by 75% since last year.

The effort comes as cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the statement said.