Belgian and Dutch drug traffickers experience little difficulty working together beyond the Begian-Dutch border. The governments ought therefore to be able to focus more on arriving at a common approach to the problem. An international crimninology study led by the University of Ghent has reached this conclusion. With ten recommendations, researchers are calling upon Belgian and Dutch authorities to take action. as in recent years, there has been a net expansion in cannabis and synthetic drugs in Belgium. The criminologist, Charlotte Colman, indicated, “Cannabis plantations are becoming increasingly large and professional.” There are new phenomena, such as “cannabis couriers” and “call centres” where you can order the drug.
In 2017, 1,234 cannabis plantations were dismantled in Belgium, which is a net increase compared to 2000. Belgian and Dutch drug traffickers are in direct contact and know-how is developing amongst Belgian drug producers. Drug consumers and dealers have also become more inventive, and are using new means to channel goods illegally over the border.
So as to stop the expansion of the drug economy, researchers are advising a joint approach with the Netherlands. A joint conference will be organised in the Autumn where action necessary will be debated. Such action includes the police services making public authorities more attentive to suspect activities. The purchase of large quantities of chemical products to produce synthetic drugs and cocaine is also to be monitored. It is also necessary to implement operational cooperation between the police services. The process of confiscating the assets of drug traffickers is to be simplified.
The Brussels Times
