Overview
- During a joint appearance in Antwerp, Noem said U.S. agencies will increase data and intelligence sharing with Belgian counterparts to disrupt trafficking networks.
- De Wever called for closer coordination with the United States across European partners to crush the business model of organized crime.
- Operational demonstrations at the port included a container-sniffing dog named Emma, new scanning trucks for cargo, and an aerial inspection of the harbor.
- The EU Drugs Agency reports a seventh straight annual record for cocaine seizures in 2023 at 419 metric tons, with Belgium leading at 123 metric tons and Antwerp identified as the top European conduit.
- The Antwerp visit followed Noem’s meetings in London with Five Eyes ministers focused on border security, information-sharing practices, and faster extradition arrangements.