Belgium reinforces police forces in Antwerp to fight drug violence

Belgium is reinforcing maritime police forces at the harbour of Antwerp to fight rising drug violence.

While attending daily inspections of the Antwerp maritime police forces, Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin confirmed the hiring of 100 extra people. “”They currently have 212 people and will increase to 333. So, more than a hundred people extra,” the interior minister said.

The fight against drug violence starts in the port of Antwerp. More than 7,000 people were checked at the port last year. 51 suspects have already been arrested this year, mostly so-called ‘drug collectors’.

Combatting drug violence is a key goal of Belgium’s new government under Prime Minister Bart De Wever. These efforts are being accelerated after the country’s capital Brussels saw a wave of drugs-related violence in recent weeks.

Six shootings took place around Clemenceau Metro station in the area of Anderlecht in the span of two weeks, killing two people.

Quintin and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden held emergency talks on Monday to discuss the issue of drug-related violence. Measures include reinforcing police forces in Brussels and Antwerp.