Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir announced plans on Wednesday for customs to have a fast track for the destruction of seized cocaine by the end of next week.
Customs General Administrator Kristian Vanderwaeren had previously spoken about the delay between confiscation and destruction of the drug, specifically in the port of Antwerp. That complaint came after port officers came under attack in a customs warehouse.
In response, Minister Demir and Flemish waste management company OVAM indicated that they have adequate incineration capabilities to manage the seized quantities. Now, a fast-track will be set up to allow for the drug’s disposal within three hours of the request being made.
Minister Demir also wants to work with the Flemish technology institute, VITO, to see if customs can render the seized drugs chemically unusable themselves. This would help to reduce the delays even further.
