Belgium's place in the European drug trade is widely known, with Antwerp port a point of entry for trafficking operations across the continent. But whilst national authorities are aware of the scale of the problem, they also recognise the need for a more coherent strategy and greater resources to deal with it.
Not only has this seen customs authorities unable to dispose of vast amounts of drugs and prompted calls to send in the army, smuggling networks have taken up residence in neighbourhoods that some residents say have become lawless. Antwerp has been the site of periodic explosions as rival gangs stake their claim to the lucrative business.
But the violence is not restricted to the Flemish city, as Brussels has this year been particularly affected by turf wars that have concentrated in some poorer areas of the city. Most notable is the Peterbos housing estate in Anderlecht, which some locals say has been neglected by police who are unable to dismantle the structure of dealers who operate openly on the site.
To highlight the scale of the problem, an external security contractor was engaged (at a cost of €70,000 each month) to ensure the safety of staff carrying out building maintenance. And though elected officials denied that Peterbos is a no-go zone, they acknowledged the need for a new approach, notably with improved coordination between local law enforcers and national organisations.
This now will see targeted interventions on the housing estate, with police patrols asking for identification and able to ban non-residents from the neighbourhood. The region's public prosecutor has affirmed that "Drug trafficking and drug-related violence have always been a priority" and will step up legal proceedings against those apprehended by police.
With parallels already drawn with the notorious gangs that run some housing estates in Marseille, Belgian authorities are eager to step in before the situation deteriorates. But will the temporary measures only displace a deeper problem?
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this May?
We have selected the best concerts and gigs in Brussels that you and your friends should not miss this May. Read more.
2. Entry bans, ID checks and fines: Brussels takes strict measures in Peterbos district
To tackle drug-related crime in the Brussels-Capital Region and more specifically in the Peterbos neighbourhood in Anderlecht, authorities are taking new strict measures to allow the police to act more decisively in the area. Read more.
3. Labour migration, drink-driving and poor eyesight: What changes in Belgium on 1 May?
Today not only marks Labour Day, but it is also the start of a new month. In Belgium, this is always paired with a series of changes to existing laws and the enforcement of new rules. Find out the most important updates below. Read more.
4. Belgium considers deploying Frontex agents at Brussels-Midi station
Frontex officers could soon be deployed on Belgian territory if ministers give their approval. But civil society organisations have argued this would set a dangerous precedent. Read more.
5. How Ghent is being transformed into Ancient Greece
Over 30 Greek tragedies will be performed in Ghent over the next eight weeks, inviting audiences to observe the stark parallels between modern and ancient society. Read more.
6. Storm to hit Brussels: Code yellow issued, helpline 1722 activated
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in several places across Belgium, including Brussels. Code yellow has been issued and the helpline 1722 has been activated for storm or flooding damage. Read more.
7. Home ownership rises in Brussels, though renting remains most common
38.1% of homes in Brussels were occupied by their owners in 2021, according to the latest Belgian Census. This marks a slight rise (+0.1%) since the previous year, with a total of 200,379 homes in the Brussels-Capital Region falling into this category. Read more.
