The Brussels North police zone is stepping up its fight against the illegal sale of drugs and narcotics, which is increasingly disrupting public order and security in the neighbourhood.
Between 17 July and 11 August 2023, the police zone seized a total of 361.56 g of cannabis, 49.1 g of amphetamine and 192 ecstasy pills in the North Quarter, mainly in the Rue d'Aerschot, infamous for its brothels. Officers also seized €3,164.71 in cash and 4,924 medicines.
These concern 3,017 Lyrica pills and 1,260 Rivotril pills, which are ordinarily prescribed in treatments for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, but are increasingly being abused for the euphoric effects they induce.
"One cannot ignore the fact that quite a few arrested people are in possession of these drugs," a press release reads. "It should be noted that these two drugs, which are available only on prescription, are known for their addictive and disinhibiting effects, which can negatively affect people's behaviour if not taken in a medically framed manner. The illegal sale of these drugs is punishable by law."
Additionally, the police also caught four perpetrators of violent thefts in the act and a number of dealers were also arrested.
Credit: Brussels North Police Zone
A total of 80 arrests were made in this period, 58 of them for the illegal sale or possession of narcotics or drugs. Of those arrested, 25 were made available to the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office, 11 were brought before the investigating judge and six arrest warrants were consequently delivered.
Five people were directly summoned to court, while another two were granted pre-trial probation. Seven cases are still under investigation.
"These results are due to a temporary Task Force, in collaboration with and in support of the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office, focusing on habitual offenders who continue to commit thefts involving violence and the sale of narcotics and drugs," the press release reads.
The Task Force was set up by the Brussels North Police Zone to fight violent thefts and the sale of narcotics in the North Quarter. By combating these phenomena on its territory, the police zone aims to contribute to public calm and ensure that everyone can feel safe. Police officers are also present in the district near the North Station on a daily basis.
