Inspectors and chiefs of Cabo Verde's Polícia Marítima have expressed concerns over the lack of resources and personnel in the fight against narcotráfico. According to Manuel José Serrano Faustino, president of the Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima, the police force is in need of greater articulation with the Polícia Judiciária to effectively combat the crime. The association highlights the frequent seizure of high-speed vessels, or "narcolanchas," used by international narcotráfico networks.
The Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima notes that since January 2026, the Polícia Marítima has seized 17 high-speed vessels, over nine tons of fuel, approximately one ton of hashish, and five tons of cocaine, and detained 37 suspects. However, all suspects were released with minimal bail, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach. The association argues that the root of the problem lies in the institutional constraints faced by the Polícia Marítima, which has been progressively weakened since the creation of the Autoridade Marítima Nacional in 2002.
The association claims that the Polícia Marítima has been subjected to a process of "sufoco institucional," or institutional suffocation, which has left it without the necessary resources, personnel, or budget to effectively combat narcotráfico. The Polícia Marítima has not had a proper budget of its own and has faced significant shortages in personnel and equipment. Between 2009 and 2015, the police force did not recruit a single new agent, and even recent efforts to bolster its ranks have been insufficient.
The Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima points out that today, the Autoridade Marítima has more military personnel on secondment than active police officers. This has resulted in a significant imbalance in the force's structure and capabilities. The association argues that it is urgent for the government to provide the Polícia Marítima with the necessary resources and autonomy to develop an effective strategy against organized crime.
To address these challenges, the Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima is calling for greater autonomy and investment in the Polícia Marítima. This includes providing the force with its own budget, increasing personnel and equipment, and establishing integrated cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. The association also advocates for improved communication and coordination between the Polícia Marítima, the Polícia Judiciária, and other security agencies.
The association emphasizes that the fight against narcotráfico requires a coordinated effort from all relevant agencies, including the Polícia Judiciária, the Força Aérea, and the Marinha. It also highlights the need for advanced technology and specialized capabilities to effectively monitor and patrol the country's maritime borders. The association's president, Manuel José Serrano Faustino, stresses that the security of Cabo Verde's maritime borders and the sovereignty of its territory cannot be compromised by budgetary constraints or institutional rivalries.
According to RecordTV Cabo Verde, the Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima is determined to continue pressing for the necessary reforms and resources to enable the Polícia Marítima to effectively combat narcotráfico and other forms of organized crime. The association's concerns and recommendations have significant implications for the country's security and law enforcement efforts, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to its calls for action.
Key points
- The Polícia Marítima has seized 17 high-speed vessels used by international narcotráfico networks since January 2026.
- The Associação dos Inspetores e Chefes da Polícia Marítima is calling for greater autonomy and investment in the Polícia Marítima to effectively combat organized crime.
- The association emphasizes the need for integrated cooperation between the Polícia Marítima, the Polícia Judiciária, and other security agencies to fight narcotráfico.
