In July alone, more than 1,000 people in Belgium were fined for being in possession of drugs, mainly at festivals. The penalty for being caught in possession will now increase with on-the-spot fines for some drugs now €1,000.
Belgian authorities are working to tackle the escalating drug scene in the country, in part by cracking down on the use and dealing of drugs, including at festivals. This summer, 1,011 on-the-spot fines were issued in Belgium, the majority of which were police checks at festivals.
"Those who go to festivals with drugs in their pockets risk paying a hefty price," said Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne. He imposed the system of fining people immediately after they are caught in possession of drugs at the start of 2022. Those caught with or taking drugs can now be presented with a fine immediately, payable on the spot via a QR code or within 15 days by bank transfer.
"This approach is necessary. Drugs are not only illegal but also very harmful and potentially lethal. Users also co-finance organised crime responsible for a wave of violence in our country. Even those who use sporadically contribute."
€150 for cannabis, €300 for MDMA
In the 1.5 years since this system was introduced, a total of 7,855 fines have been issued with a total value of €954,625. The most common drugs for which the fines were handed out were cannabis (5,200), ecstacy or MDMA (1,500) and cocaine (1,000). At the Tomorrowland festival alone, 360 such fines were issued.
The amount of each fine can vary, depending on the type of drugs and the quantity found. Those deemed to be "problematic users" are referred to counselling services. Potential dealers caught with larger quantities – obviously with the intent of dealing – face criminal prosecution.
Sign warning people to get rid of their drugs before entering the Tomorrowland festival grounds. Credit: Belga/ Jonas Roosens
Fines of up to €150 are given to people in possession of cannabis, while for those carrying MDMA or other synthetic drugs this can reach €300. Cocaine was also subject to a maximum amount of €300 but the maximum amount that can be fined will now be raised to €1,000 for people in possession of six to ten grams.
The system aims to remove any sense of impunity: many such files were dismissed in the past but with the system of on-the-spot fines, the handling of user files is much smoother the Justice Minister explains: "This frees up time for public prosecutors and courts to focus on the criminal networks behind drug trafficking. The rights of defence are also safeguarded because the fines can be contested."
In the coming weeks, several festivals and events will take place in Belgium – from major festivals such as Pukkelpop to smaller events such as WeCanDance in Zeebrugge and Kamping Kitsch in Kortrijk. The police zones are planning intensive checks here too: drug dogs will be used both at the venue itself and at checks along the roads around the festival site.
