Brussels authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat drug-related disturbances, with 14 targeted police operations conducted successfully in March as part of the Public Prosecutor’s new criminal policy to curb drug trafficking and usage.
A key aspect of this intensified strategy is the immediate financial penalty imposed on recreational drug users. Over the course of these operations, the Brussels and federal police issued 165 on-the-spot fines, predominantly for possession of narcotics.
The introduction of this fine system enables offenders caught in the act, who admit their guilt, to pay the penalty instantly via a mobile payment terminal.
“The system makes users aware of the impact of their behaviour on society,” the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office stated, underscoring the broader aim of deterring casual drug consumption through swift financial consequences.
Encouraged by the success of this trial phase, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the chiefs of police from the six local police zones and the federal police, is set to significantly expand these enforcement operations across the entire Brussels region in the coming weeks and months.
While the new policy adopts a tough stance on drug-related nuisances, authorities are also considering a more compassionate approach for users facing severe psychological and social challenges.
The Brussels Prosecutor’s Office plans to establish a drug treatment room in collaboration with the courts to provide targeted care and an adapted response for individuals struggling with addiction.
To ensure adequate support structures are in place, the authorities have requested a register of care, guidance, and assistance services from Safe.brussels, the agency responsible for security coordination in the region.
This initiative aims to balance stringent law enforcement with effective rehabilitation efforts, reflecting a dual approach to addressing the city’s drug-related issues.
Brussels’ new policy aligns with a broader European trend of tackling drug offenses through both punitive and rehabilitative measures.
While some critics argue that fines disproportionately impact low-income users without addressing the root causes of substance abuse, proponents maintain that the strategy will curb public disturbances and discourage recreational drug use.
As enforcement operations escalate, the effectiveness of this initiative will be closely monitored to assess its impact on drug-related crime rates and societal behaviour in the Brussels-Capital Region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
