Cocaine seizures at Belgium’s Antwerp port fell by nearly two-thirds in 2024, with authorities crediting intensified anti-drug efforts in Latin America.
Belgium’s customs agency reported confiscating 44 tonnes of cocaine in Antwerp, a significant drop from the record 116 tonnes seized in 2023. This marked the first decrease in over a decade for Europe’s second-largest port, which has been a major entry point for narcotics smuggled into the continent.
Impact of Latin American Interventions
Kristian Vanderwaeren, head of Belgian customs, attributed the decline to heightened drug interceptions in Latin American ports. In 2024, over 80 tonnes of cocaine destined for Antwerp were seized before shipping, up from 45 tonnes the previous year.
Ecuador played a pivotal role, as President Daniel Noboa’s 2024 anti-cartel campaign led to a sharp reduction in drug shipments. Located between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has faced escalating cartel violence, but its crackdown significantly disrupted trafficking routes.
Changes in Smuggling Tactics
Despite the progress, Ecuador remains the leading origin for cocaine arriving in Antwerp. Smugglers are adapting, breaking shipments into smaller loads to avoid detection. In 2024, Belgian customs conducted 136 cocaine-related seizures, up from 124 in 2023, but only two were large-scale, compared to 13 the previous year.
Smuggling attempts at Brussels Airport also surged, with a five-fold increase in passengers carrying cocaine, totaling over a tonne in 2024.
Broader International Cooperation
Belgium’s government has invested €70 million to strengthen port security, deploying advanced scanning technology and increasing customs personnel. Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem emphasized the need for ongoing adaptation as traffickers evolve their methods.
Countries like Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia remain significant contributors to cocaine shipments. Surprisingly, Sierra Leone ranked second due to a six-tonne seizure, spotlighting Africa’s growing role as a transit hub.
Meanwhile, new routes are emerging, with Georgia becoming a gateway for drugs from Ecuador, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Antwerp remains Europe’s top port for drug trafficking, but enhanced international cooperation shows promise in curbing the trade.
10 January 2025
Source: MSN
