Belgium’s Customs Authority unveiled its new range of defence equipment on Wednesday in Brasschaat, Antwerp, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Jan Jambon, and Customs Administrator General Kristian Vanderwaeren in attendance.
The new gear includes service weapons such as HK SFP9 semi-automatic pistols and rifles that better meet current needs, along with modern bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and first aid kits.
Delays in procedures and tendering processes have meant that Customs has had to operate with outdated equipment for some time, and they will still need to do so a bit longer.
Weapon deliveries expected late next year
Rifles intended to replace the current 9mm Steyr weapons may not arrive until next year. A tender has been launched for larger calibre long guns, but the process is expected to conclude by the end of this year and delivery is projected for late 2026.
Customs would like to purchase 250 long guns, but budget constraints may limit this to half that number. Currently, the service only possess a few dozen small-calibre long guns.
The total investment in new equipment is valued at €1.5 million.
'It will still be an uneven battle'
Out of Belgium’s 3,300 customs officers, 547 are fully armed and 308 are lightly armed. They are mainly deployed in strategic areas such as ports, airports, and public thoroughfares.
Customs officers present on Wednesday emphasised the need to match the fire power of the drug criminals, primarily to protect their colleagues. However, they acknowledged that “it will still be an uneven battle.”
Jan Jambon underscored the importance of battling drug trafficking at the Port of Antwerp and providing Customs staff with suitable equipment.
Heightened risk of aggression
“We are now fighting on more equal terms than before,” said Kristian Vanderwaeren, celebrating the modernisation of both equipment and training. “Weapons from the ’90s have been updated.”
The Customs boss noted that the upgrading of the arsenal comes amid a rise in drug trafficking. “We are observing a heightened risk of aggression against customs officers,” he said. “It began a few years ago. It’s the first time we are being threatened by so many criminals armed with heavy weapons.”
Vanderwaeren emphasised that the new weapons are only for defence. Their use is legally regulated, and the training Customs officers receive focuses on colleague protection. Every time a Customs officer uses a weapon it is documented, and a Customs committee reviews all such incidents.
