From
Foreign desk
Dublin – An Garda Síochána has entered into a formal agreement with the Colombian National Police to deepen cooperation in tackling international drug smuggling and serious organised crime.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed to build on existing ties between the two forces. In a statement, gardaí said the deal creates a structure for improved intelligence sharing, joint operations, training, and the exchange of policing expertise.
“By strengthening operational cooperation and facilitating the exchange of intelligence, both organisations aim to enhance their effectiveness in targeting those responsible for the importation and distribution of illicit drugs and other forms of serious organised crime,” the statement said.
Senior officers from both An Garda Síochána and the Colombian National Police have already carried out reciprocal visits. Gardaí noted that the visits were key to “developing a shared understanding of the challenges posed by transnational organised crime groups operating across jurisdictions.”
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the agreement as another important step in global efforts to disrupt criminal networks.
“An Garda Síochána is determined to play our part internationally in combatting the deadly and harmful impacts that transnational organised crime groups inflict on communities,” Commissioner Kelly said.
He added that the force has built “an extensive network of international Garda Liaison Officers” to strengthen links with law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Director General of the Colombian National Police, General William Oswaldo Rincón, said the MoU will allow both countries to exchange criminal intelligence on transnational crime and other major offences affecting them.
“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,” General Rincón stated.
He added that the pact will drive “profound operational modernisation” through joint training, digital technology for public safety projects, and the adoption of global best practices in anti-corruption work.
Both forces said the partnership reflects a growing need for cross-border collaboration to counter criminal groups that operate across multiple countries.
