A defence department adviser from the European Union warned military personnel in the region about the tactics of drug cartels. He said the cartels would no longer be able to rely on what he called a legal war. The adviser encouraged forces not to be intimidated by the cartels’ lawyers. According to the adviser, narcotics groups are providing financial support to non‑governmental organisations. Those NGOs are being used as a shield to protect the cartels from prosecution. The warning was issued as part of an EU statement on security cooperation.