Drug seizures at Belgian port continue to rise

Belgian authorities at the port of Antwerp announced Wednesday year on year increases in illegal drug trafficking despite successful seizures. Almost 36 metric tons of drugs have been discovered so far in the first half of 2022. In recent years, 41 metric tons seized in 2017, 50 metric tons in 2018, 62 metric tons in 2019, 65.5 metric tons in 2020 and 89 metric tons in 2021.  

Kristian Vanderwaeren, Director General, General Administration of Customs and Excise said "Sending drugs to Europe is more profitable for two reasons. The first reason is for the Colombian and other cartels; they don't have to work with the Mexican cartels, which are in between and who take the most profit of the drugs who is exported to the United States. You don't have the Mexican cartels involved with the Colombian production. That is one element, and also the retail price, so to say, of cocaine is higher in Europe than it is in the United States." 

During a demonstration event in Antwerp, customs officers also showcased a new mobile scanning vehicle used during the checks, which allows scans to take place near container ships as cargo is being unloaded.