With the arrival of a special port police in the port of Antwerp, the number of drug-related arrests has decreased. Increased checks have a positive effect on tackling drug crime, the police say.
Controls
Last year, the federal police in Antwerp introduced the so-called ‘port force’. This concerns a police force of 50 officers who are involved in checks in the port of Antwerp. The Gazet van Antwerpen wrote this on Thursday afternoon.
The maritime police in Antwerp recently also had its own investigation service. In addition, a so-called ‘maritime security cell’ was established and the number of staff for the Belgian ‘intervention teams’ and for border controls will be increased.
Effect
In concrete terms, the number of drug-related arrests went from 150 in 2023 to 19 in the first four months of this year. “The security checks, the targeted patrols and the general visible presence of teams on the site have a dissuasive effect on drug extractors,” the federal police believes.
Creatively
However, people want to remain cautious when interpreting all the figures, reports the Gazet. ‘Criminal organizations can adapt quickly and be creative. The drug mafia is currently trying to shift its terrain and working methods away from the quays.’
