To protect the UK from the growing threat of cocaine trafficking, the British government has joined hands with Colombia and Ecuador to stop the problem before the drugs even reach British borders. This move is part of the government’s larger Plan for Change aimed at improving security and reducing drug-related harm.
Historic Visit for Stronger Security Cooperation
Security Minister Dan Jarvis recently became the first UK minister to visit both Colombia and Ecuador for security talks. These two South American countries are key points in the global cocaine trade—Colombia is the largest producer of cocaine, and Ecuador has become a major route for smugglers.
During his visit, Minister Jarvis signed a memorandum of understanding with Ecuador, showing a shared commitment to fight against violent criminal groups that are smuggling cocaine into the UK and harming communities in both regions.
UK Officers Making a Real Difference
To help stop drugs at the source, UK Border Force and Home Office teams are already working in Colombia and Ecuador. These officers are not just observing—they’re actively training and supporting local law enforcement to catch smugglers and stop drugs from leaving South America.
And the results speak for themselves:
- In Colombia, 64 tonnes of cocaine were seized last year, and over 50 tonnes were linked to UK-supported operations.
- In Ecuador, nearly 95 out of 300 tonnes seized were the result of efforts supported by UK teams.
In January 2025, UK Border Force also stopped 1.5 tonnes of cocaine on a ship from Ecuador, worth nearly £60 million on the streets.
More Equipment and Training to Fight Crime
As part of the visit, Minister Jarvis donated new equipment to Ecuador’s law enforcement to help them further disrupt criminal activities. He also highlighted the bravery of local officers who risk their lives daily to fight against powerful drug gangs.
In one recent success story, UK officers trained a Colombian team that had earlier only stopped 14kg of cocaine in a year. After just two weeks of UK-led training in March 2025, the same team went on to stop 1.4 tonnes of cocaine destined for the UK.
Rising Deaths and Urgent Action
The UK is facing a serious problem with drugs. Between 2022 and 2023, cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31%. The government’s Safer Streets Mission is working to reverse this trend through international cooperation, better border control, prevention, and treatment.
So far, the steps taken are showing real progress. Cocaine seizures by Border Force in England have increased by 75% compared to last year, with over 26 tonnes taken off the streets.
A Shared Global Fight
Minister Jarvis stressed that the UK will not tolerate gangs using international routes to bring dangerous drugs into British communities. He also praised the efforts of law enforcement teams in Colombia and Ecuador for helping protect not just their own people, but also families and neighbourhoods in the UK.
This global partnership shows the importance of working together to stop drugs at their source, before they cause harm at home.
The UK’s new agreements with Colombia and Ecuador mark a powerful step forward in the global war on drugs. By focusing on prevention at the source, training local police, and providing better tools to fight crime, the government is taking real action to stop cocaine before it reaches British shores. These international efforts are a key part of the Plan for Change, helping to keep streets safer and reduce drug-related deaths and crime across the UK.
