LAST year, both Belgium and the Netherlands, home to the key ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam, reported a dramatic decline in the volume of cocaine seized.

As the traditional gateways into Europe for legal as well as illegal cargo, this is surely cause for celebration, or at the very least a pat on the back.

The only problem? Seizures in Portugal, Italy, Greece and other southern European countries increased. Which begs the question, how do you stop smuggling?

Lloyd’s List news reporter Joshua Minchin speaks again to four experts at the frontline in the fight against smuggling to understand how public-private co-operation can identify high-risk containers and push back against what can seem like an incessant tide.

Plus, UNODC’s Bob van den Berghe explains how work in source countries can prevent illegal cargo ever getting on board a commercial vessel and strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies on opposite sides of the ocean.

Joining Joshua on the podcast are:

• Joe Kramek, chief executive, World Shipping Council

• Bob Van den Berghe, deputy head PCCP, UN Office on Drugs and Crime

• Niels Vanlaer, harbour master at the port of Antwerp-Bruges

• Robert Campbell, programme director, United for Wildlife