4 Malta Police officers are currently deployed in a Frontex-led mission in the Black Sea, off the coast of Romania This is the first time that Maltese Police officers are participating in a maritime operation.
Between the 9th July & 1st October, the Malta Police team is conducting patrols aboard a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) between the ports of Constanta and Mangalia, near the Romanian-Bulgarian border. Their duties include:
Conducting joint inspections with Romania’s Fisheries Department
Monitoring borders to deter illegal trafficking of people and substances
In 2022, the Malta Police Force inaugurated two RHIBs, purchased with the support of European Union funding. Following this investment, an agreement was signed to allow Maltese crews to participate in Frontex-led maritime operations beyond Maltese territorial waters as needed.
This operation also includes officers from Italy, Portugal, Greece, Latvia and Romania – marking another first for Frontex in deploying such a diverse maritime team.
Our officers are also receiving specialised training in using advanced equipment such as drones that can launch from water, night-vision tools, and remotely operated rescue devices.
Source: Malta Police
Photo: Malta Police
