Passengers on a Brussels metro were shocked to witness a drug deal occur in the middle of a moving carriage this week, highlighting a new aspect of the drug problem in and around public transport operator STIB's stations.
Sightings of public drug use are becoming increasingly common in Brussels. This is especially the case in metro stations, where vulnerable people often gather to seek shelter. Last year, STIB's security service recorded more than 4,000 incidents of drug users in its metro stations.
People witnessing a drug deal taking place on the streets in broad daylight is also no longer a rare occurrence. However, such an exchange taking place on a moving metro carriage around passengers is more remarkable.
One eyewitness, Dimitri Strobbe, posted photos on social media showing drug users buying their dose directly from a dealer in the metro and then getting out to take their drugs on the platform on Monday.
💉💊We are investing billions in a new metro but we can’t even secure it! Just saw this drug deal in front of everyone, including children. Last week someone got pushed on the tracks. What’s gonna be next? pic.twitter.com/Bzn4cIV7hm
— Dimitri Strobbe 🚧 (@dimitristrobbe) October 28, 2024
He said that, for years now, several neighbourhood committees have been sounding the alarm regarding this drug nuisance and how it contributes to feelings of insecurity. "We will likely make an appeal with our committee at the city council regarding Ribaucourt-Molenbeek, but the problem is becoming more and more widespread," Strobbe said.
Challenging issue
Last year, the outgoing Brussels Government said that it would grant STIB extra funds to further increase safety in metro stations, including by deploying extra security guards. A new STIB team was also in the process of being set up to assess and direct drug users and homeless people towards suitable reception, care and accommodation centres.
However, the situation is far from resolved, Bruzz reported. STIB confirmed that it was aware of the drug deal incident in the metro carriage. However, security personnel were not alerted and they were therefore unable to intervene at that moment. Spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch noted that their authority is limited, but they do work with the police to track down the perpetrators.
He added that the issue is difficult to solve, and the company works to avoid such incidents. Around 20 new security officers will start next week, which will hopefully improve the situation.
