Brussels Faces Surge in Drug-Related Gang Violence After Fatal Shooting

A week of escalating violence linked to cocaine trafficking has prompted calls for increased police presence and coordinated action in the Belgian capital.

• Four shootings occurred in Brussels over the past week, with one fatality in Anderlecht and three injuries in other incidents.
• Belgian officials have attributed the violence to gang-related turf wars fueled by lucrative cocaine trafficking, with daily revenues at some hotspots estimated at €50,000.
• Brussels' fragmented policing system, divided among 19 municipalities, has been criticized for hindering coordinated responses to crime.
• Authorities have temporarily consolidated the city's police zones and are exploring reinvesting seized criminal assets into law enforcement and community rebuilding efforts.
• The violence has raised concerns about public safety and Brussels' international reputation, with residents and officials urging immediate action to address systemic issues.

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