Record Cocaine Seizures in Antwerp Amid Rising Drug-Related Violence

Belgian authorities arrest 22, including three police officers, in major anti-drug operation as landmark trial against drug and arms trafficking continues.

• Belgian authorities seized a record 116 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Antwerp in 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year, making it Europe's main gateway for the drug shipped from South America.
• Drug-related violence has significantly increased in Belgium, particularly in Antwerp and Brussels, with gang-on-gang violence and attacks often targeting wrong addresses.
• Belgian authorities arrested 22 people, including three police officers, in a major anti-drug operation, seizing cash, luxury vehicles and a weapon.
• Belgium's northern neighbour, the Netherlands, also saw a significant increase in cocaine seizures, with 59.1 tonnes in 2023, consolidating its position as a distribution hub for many parts of Europe, including the UK.
• More than 120 people are currently being tried by a Brussels court in a landmark case against drug and arms trafficking.

3 Articles

BBC POLITICO Associated Press