A café on Rue Nationale in Antwerp has been ordered to close for 15 days due to drug-related disturbances in and around the establishment, according to N-VA Mayor Els van Doesburg.
The café had been under police surveillance for some time as part of a judicial investigation. Police noticed that certain "clients" in or near the café appeared to make brief contact with passers-by.
During checks, officers found one individual in possession of cocaine.
Searches were then conducted at the bar operator's home and the homes of some family members, who were already known to the authorities. In total, police seized 10 grams of cannabis, 23 grams of cocaine, and €13,160 in cash.
Van Doesburg stated there are strong indications that the café was being used as a point of sale. She noted that the café attracts people looking for drugs, leading to disturbances and compromising the safety of local residents.
The Mayor hopes that this temporary closure will bring peace to the neighbourhood and deter drug-related crime.
