Belgium Struggles with Escalating Drug-Related Violence
Belgium is grappling with a dramatic surge in drug-related violence, with both Brussels and Antwerp ranking among the top five European cities for drug consumption, a situation underscored by recent wastewater analyses, reports 24brussels.
The country has seen a significant influx of narcotics, particularly cocaine, facilitated by Antwerp’s port, which has positioned Belgium as a key distribution hub for drug trafficking across Europe.
This year has already witnessed at least 60 shootings in Brussels, linked to the thriving illegal drug trade that has spurred an alarming rise in violent crime. In 2024, 92 shootings resulted in nine fatalities, according to official reports.
In response to this crisis, the Belgian government approved a plan in July to consolidate the six police zones in Brussels into a single jurisdiction, aiming for implementation in early 2027. This merger seeks to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies, which have previously struggled with inconsistencies due to each zone operating under its own regulations, allowing criminal gangs to exploit jurisdictional gaps to evade capture.
