As Antwerp’s port enforces stringent controls on cocaine trafficking, smugglers are adapting by redirecting their operations to other Belgian ports.
This shift is particularly evident in North Sea Port Ghent, where recent inspections have revealed a significant increase in drug seizures.
Antwerp’s Tougher Controls Spur Smugglers to Seek Alternatives
Antwerp’s strategic location as a major entry point for cocaine into Europe has made it a prime target for law enforcement efforts.
With substantial investments in customs technology and heightened security measures, the volume of seized drugs has notably decreased.
However, these enhanced controls have led traffickers to seek alternative routes, shifting their focus to Belgium’s other ports.
Last week, a significant seizure of 24 kilograms of cocaine was discovered in North Sea Port Ghent.
The cocaine was found hidden in a coal ship arriving from Colombia, marking the fourth such incident this year. The discovery underscores a broader trend of drug trafficking migrating away from Antwerp to other parts of Belgium.
“Waterbed Effect” Seen in Drug Trafficking
Patrick Willocx, Director of Operations at the Federal Judicial Police East Flanders, described the shift as a “waterbed effect,” where intensified efforts in one area lead to displacement in another.
“Our colleagues in Antwerp have increased patrols, while customs are closely monitoring suspicious containers. It’s only natural for drug traffickers to explore alternative routes,” Willocx told The Brussels Times.
The migration of drug trafficking to Ghent’s bulk port is not entirely new. Willocx noted that the phenomenon began around five years ago and has progressively become more common.
The discovery of drugs in bulk ships, though, tends to involve smaller quantities compared to those found in cargo ships.
Seizures typically range from 20 to 100 kilograms, but there have been instances where over a tonne of drugs was uncovered.
Complex Smuggling Techniques Challenge Authorities
Smugglers have employed various methods to transport drugs via bulk ships, including concealing them in cranes, attaching packages to the outside of ships, or hiding them in water closets using magnets.
Despite these creative tactics, Willocx explained that smuggling via bulk ships is inherently more complex.
To successfully transport drugs in bulk ships, traffickers must board the vessel at the port of origin to hide the drugs and then reboard at the port of arrival to retrieve them.
This process is more intricate compared to smuggling through cargo ports with heightened security. Nevertheless, the relative ease of bulk ship transportation means Ghent is likely to remain a target for drug trafficking.
Increased Seizures and Evolving Strategies
The Federal Judicial Police East Flanders, Shipping Police, and Customs are collaborating to enhance their efforts against drug trafficking.
The discovery of cocaine in bulk ships necessitates more extensive checks, which cannot be accomplished solely through scanning technology. Manual inspections require additional manpower and resources.
To address these challenges, a dedicated working group has been established at the port, and several new systems have been implemented.
An anonymous hotline has been integrated into the national Portwatch hotline, allowing for more efficient reporting of suspicious activities.
Infrastructure and Resource Challenges
The complexity of inspecting bulk ships has highlighted the need for improved security and access control at the port.
While the Dutch side of North Sea Port, which includes Vlissingen and Terneuzen, has received substantial funding from the Dutch government for security enhancements, Ghent has not seen similar financial support.
Willocx emphasized the need for additional resources to bolster security measures in Ghent. “We are actively seeking ways to secure the necessary funding and resources to improve our capabilities,” he said.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Efforts
The shift in drug trafficking routes to Ghent represents a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.
While Antwerp’s crackdown on drug smuggling has had a measurable impact, the resulting displacement of trafficking activities underscores the need for a coordinated approach across all affected ports.
Authorities in Ghent remain vigilant and are adapting their strategies to address the evolving tactics of drug traffickers.
The increased collaboration among various agencies and the implementation of new security measures are critical steps in combating the ongoing issue of cocaine smuggling.
As the situation continues to develop, the focus will remain on enhancing port security and maintaining effective control measures to prevent the further displacement of drug trafficking activities.
