Brussels, Belgium – The Belgian federal government is establishing a task force to tackle drug-related crime, Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced on Friday afternoon following a Council of Ministers meeting. The initiative comes in response to escalating drug-related violence, particularly in Anderlecht.
The decision follows a report delivered by Minister of Interior Bernard Quintin (MR) and Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) on Friday regarding the security situation in the Brussels municipality.
While De Wever had initially dismissed the need for a National Security Council meeting, he affirmed his support for additional measures to curb the violence. The newly formed task force aims to accelerate the implementation of the coalition agreement’s provisions on organized crime.
Initially, it will operate under the coordination of the interior and justice ministers. However, ministers responsible for other relevant domains—such as finance and defense—will be included as needed.
Minister Quintin highlighted the role of customs in the strategy, suggesting that his colleagues from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence would play a part in the broader crackdown on drug-related crime.
A notable aspect of Quintin’s proposal includes the potential deployment of military personnel for static surveillance duties, which he argues could free up as many as 200 police officers for street patrols.
“Above all, it shows that the entire government is taking responsibility for what is happening in Belgium, not just in Brussels,” he said. “The idea is not to have long days of meetings just to chat. We are consulting in order to decide.”
Rather than introducing entirely new measures, Quintin emphasized the importance of implementing existing commitments in the coalition agreement.
He cited the development of a new Canal Plan and the long-discussed merger of the Brussels police zones—an idea widely supported by the 19 mayors in the region.
He reiterated his intention to complete consultations with all remaining mayors within the next two weeks, having already met with eight.
The urgency of addressing the situation was underscored by recent comments from the new public prosecutor, who has repeatedly expressed concern over the deteriorating security environment in Brussels.
In response, the government has already increased police presence in Anderlecht and boosted metro surveillance. From Monday, the federal judicial police in Brussels will be reinforced with 15 additional officers.
“I have literally sent in the cavalry,” Quintin remarked, emphasizing the swift response from law enforcement. However, he stressed that regional and municipal authorities must also step up and take responsibility for public security efforts.
The establishment of the task force reflects the government’s determination to address the growing threat of drug-related crime across Belgium.
With enhanced police presence, stronger inter-ministerial coordination, and potential military support, authorities hope to curb the wave of violence plaguing parts of the capital and beyond.
As the task force begins its work, officials and law enforcement agencies will closely monitor the effectiveness of these measures in restoring security and combating organized crime.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
