Belgian customs officials have intercepted a massive shipment of cocaine at the Port of Antwerp, uncovering 606 kilograms of the illicit substance concealed within a container of canned fish.
The discovery was made on Tuesday at quay 1742 in the Waaslandhaven area of the port, one of the busiest maritime hubs in Europe. The container, originating from Ecuador in South America, had been flagged for inspection before the drugs were uncovered.
Authorities said the cocaine was carefully hidden among a legitimate cover load of canned fish, a method frequently used by international trafficking networks to evade detection. Despite the concealment efforts, customs officers identified the illegal cargo during routine checks supported by risk analysis.
“This is a significant interception that once again highlights Antwerp’s central role in European drug trafficking routes,” a customs spokesperson said. “The drugs will not reach the streets and will be destroyed as quickly as possible.”
The seizure underscores Antwerp’s growing importance as a gateway for cocaine entering Europe. In recent years, the port has emerged as a focal point for drug smuggling operations, with South American cartels exploiting its high cargo volumes and vast logistical infrastructure.
Ecuador, which has become an increasingly prominent departure point for cocaine shipments bound for Europe, has been linked to several major seizures in Antwerp in recent years. The country’s proximity to Colombia and Peru, the world’s leading cocaine producers, makes it a prime transit hub.
Belgian authorities confirmed that the cocaine will be destroyed under strict supervision. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to determine who was behind the smuggling attempt. Police, prosecutors, and international partners are expected to collaborate to trace the networks responsible.
Experts note that drug trafficking operations often involve complex international logistics, with cartels relying on shell companies, fraudulent shipping documents, and corrupt intermediaries. “The challenge lies not just in intercepting shipments, but in dismantling the networks facilitating them,” an anti-narcotics analyst explained.
Despite intensified inspections and international cooperation, Antwerp continues to report record seizures of cocaine. Last year alone, more than 120 tonnes were intercepted, underlining the scale of the problem facing Belgian authorities.
Officials say the latest seizure reflects ongoing efforts to curb the flow of narcotics through Antwerp, but warn that traffickers are constantly adapting their methods. “Every successful interception sends a message,” the customs spokesperson added. “But we know this is a continuing battle.”
The investigation into the 606-kilogram cocaine haul remains ongoing, with Belgian authorities working to track the shipment’s intended recipients. The case is expected to be part of wider efforts to disrupt the growing cocaine trade into Europe.
