Brussels police have intensified their crackdown on drug-related activities, launching a series of operations targeting hotspots in Anderlecht, Saint-Gilles, and Forest.
The latest efforts by the Brussels-Midi police zone, carried out with the support of other local police forces, have led to limited results, according to official statistics.
The operations focused on the Clemenceau, Place de Bethléem, and Saint-Antoine neighbourhoods, areas known for persistent drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
Law enforcement officers conducted searches at local establishments, including bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as on-the-spot drug tests for motorists.
Chief of Police Jurgen de Landsheer stated that the operations are part of a “second phase” in the broader campaign against nuisance crimes linked to drug trafficking.
Despite the heightened police presence and rigorous checks, the raids resulted in only one dealer being arrested, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
During the operations, authorities seized €18,510 in cash, issued 14 fines, and revoked 11 driving licenses from individuals found to be under the influence of drugs.
Additionally, officers confiscated 50 grams of marijuana and 30 packages of unspecified drugs. Numerous fines were also issued for other infractions, including improper hygiene, smoking in public spaces, and illegal employment practices.
De Landsheer emphasized that the initiative aims to shift police priorities from reactive security measures to proactive community policing, tackling the illegal economy that thrives on drug sales.
“We want to return to the neighbourhoods, disrupt illicit trade, and address the root causes of crime,” he told Belgian broadcaster VRT.
In the past week alone, police have inspected around 20 businesses suspected of benefiting from illegal drug profits.
However, authorities clarified that these searches are not directly connected to the ongoing investigations into a series of deadly shootings that have gripped the Belgian capital in recent months.
The Brussels-Midi police zone reaffirmed its commitment to sustained action against drug-related crime.
“The combined efforts of law enforcement and other agencies must ensure that peace is restored in these neighbourhoods. It is crucial to maintain pressure on both the drug trade and the wider illicit economy,” the department stated.
Despite these efforts, drug-related violence remains a pressing issue in Brussels. In 2024, nearly 100 shootings were recorded across the city, yet the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office has secured only two convictions related to these incidents.
The recent wave of violence in Anderlecht has already claimed two lives, but so far, only two suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
With community safety at stake, the police are under mounting pressure to deliver tangible results. While recent raids have demonstrated law enforcement’s commitment to tackling drug-related crime, the limited number of arrests and continued violence highlight the significant challenges that remain.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
