To mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Antwerp launched a new online campaign against cocaine use on Wednesday. Cocaine has a "devastating impact," not only on the life of the user but also on that of others, the municipality highlights.
"Cocaine destroys. Your life. Our society." With this slogan, the city is hoping to raise awareness among consumers at a time when the port city, Belgium and beyond are suffering the horrors of violence linked to drug trafficking. Since 2022, around 100 drug-related violent incidents have been recorded in Antwerp.
Worldwide, 100,000 people are killed every year as a result of organised crime and the cocaine market. This proportion is similar to that of the victims of armed conflicts. Moreover, the environmental aspect should not be overlooked: the impact of cocaine cultivation on the environment is 30 times greater than that of other crops, such as coffee.
The campaign therefore highlights the various consequences of drug use. Available online only, it is aimed primarily at regular users. More than a third of partygoers (34%) take cocaine with them when they go out, according to a 2022 study cited by Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA).
The message is accompanied by the hashtag "AntwerpenTegenDrugs" ("AntwerpAgainstDrugs") to emphasise that the fight against drug trafficking is continuing.
Generally, police continue efforts to weaken criminals and their networks, which launder their illicit earnings into the legal economy. In addition to its repressive measures, Antwerp has invested more than €3 million in care and assistance for drug addicts, according to the authorities.
