With the rise in drug-related violence and the increasing feelings of insecurity among residents, authorities have been stepping up efforts to combat drug trafficking, including by trying new types of operations.
Brussels has seen levels of gun violence soar in recent months, with shootings happening on the region's streets almost every week, mainly gangs settling scores. This has led to growing public concern. Two-thirds (66%) of participants in a recent survey say they feel more unsafe due to drug-related violence. The majority (69%) want more police on the streets.
As part of the fight against the sale of drugs by criminal organisations in Belgium, large-scale judicial operations have been organised. Various levels of government have also launched strategies to tackle the issue and hotspots have been defined where tougher approaches are needed.
Moreover, local authorities are shifting their approach by addressing the causes and consequences of addiction and mental health issues in the public space to improve safety.
In recent weeks, police have also been implementing a new strategy, namely deploying police officers from the anti-drug squad in civilian clothing, La Libre reported.
Dozens of arrests
The actions were part of the approach to "street deals" on drugs and were carried out in cooperation with the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office, together with the Brussels City/Ixelles police zone, the Brussels Midi police zone and the municipalities of Saint-Gilles and Brussels City.
For the last four weeks, they have been active in the 'La Querelle' district in the Marolles area of Brussels, Square Jacques Franck (where a fatal shooting took place in February) and Place Bethléem as well as the Porte de Hal area – all of which are prone to drug dealing and consumption.
Often, an increased police presence is frowned upon by locals. However, this system has been welcomed, demonstrating the public's weariness regarding drug trafficking.
