Belgian customs seized 16.7 tonnes of cocaine in the Port of Antwerp during the first half of this year – fives tonnes less than in the same period in 2024. Although the number of seizures is increasing, the quantity of each seizure is decreasing.
The figures do not necessarily reflect an overall slowdown in cocaine trafficking through the Port of Antwerp, however, according to Kristian Vanderwaeren, administrator-general at Belgian customs.
During the same period, there was a significant increase in the amount of cocaine seized in South America that was destined for Belgium. "The beast is not gone," said Vanderwaeren.
In the first half of this year, 51 tonnes of cocaine bound for Belgium were intercepted in South America, compared to 20 tonnes in the same period last year. The annual total increased from 45 tonnes in 2023 to 81 tonnes in 2024.
"So they are continuing to do a good job there, but don't forget that cocaine production in South America is increasing," the administrator-general continued.
Customs in Belgium made a total of 82 seizures in the past six months, which is 20 more than in the first half of 2024. However, the average weight per seizure has decreased. Criminals are spreading their risks by reducing the quantities, a trend that has been noticeable for some time.
Administrator General Kristian Vanderwaeren. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
Same trends elsewhere
The declining total weight of seizures in Belgium is consistent with figures from the Netherlands, where customs officers intercepted 15.6 tonnes of cocaine during the first six months of this year.
In the Port of Rotterdam, the quantity fell to seven tonnes – almost half the amount seized in the first half of last year. Traffickers are reportedly switching to smaller Dutch ports, such as Amsterdam and Vlissingen.
Vanderwaeren is aware of the potential for a waterbed effect, noting that a large quantity of drugs was recently intercepted in Dunkirk, France, near the Belgian border.
"It therefore remains important to increase scanning at all terminals," he said. "We must continue to invest, even if the quantities are falling."
Surge in new drugs
Last year, for the first time in a long while, there was a decline in the amount of cocaine seized at the Port of Antwerp.
A total of 44 tonnes were seized, which is significantly less than the record amount of 116 tonnes seized in 2023.
At the time, customs warned of a worrying increase in synthetic drugs such as ecstasy and amphetamines.
