As part of a cross-border cooperation in which Belgium is taking part, 439,000 ecstasy pills and hundreds of kilos of other drugs were seized, while a drug lab and cocaine laundromat were discovered last year.
Under the Hazeldonk cooperation, Belgium has worked together with the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg since 2006, tackling organised drug distribution networks across borders through joint control actions and information exchange, which increases the chances of catching drug couriers travelling between different countries.
Last year, this led to the seizure of 439,000 ecstasy pills and hundreds of kilos of other drugs, the Federal Police said in a statement on Wednesday.
Varying actions
Specifically, the so-called Etoile actions, which are organised five times a year simultaneously in the four countries and target both drug couriers' own means of transport and public transport, led to a total of more than 48 kg of marijuana, 70 kg of hashish, 73 kg of cocaine, 79,000 ecstasy pills and almost €264,000 in cash were found.
During the action, 882 people were caught in possession of drugs, leading to the arrest of 194 people and the seizure of 112 vehicles. The impact was further enhanced by investigations following the actions, resulting in the discovery of a synthetic drug lab and cocaine laundromat in Belgium.
The Hazeldonk's so-called Doperunner actions held several times a month, which specifically focus on smugglers and networks using the motorways, led to a total seizure of more than 60 kg of cocaine, 35 kg of heroin, 45 kg of marijuana, 20 kg of speed, 360,000 ecstasy pills, 3 litres of GHB and €700,000!
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"In addition to the above control actions, other controls are organised as part of the Hazeldonk cooperation. These take place on motorways as well as on water, rail and airways, and there are also checks on postal traffic because drug transports are also arranged by post," the Federal Police noted.
It added that the aim is to involve the judiciary even more and faster in the Hazeldonk cooperation in the future, while the new Benelux Police Treaty, once it comes into force, will also offer "additional possibilities in the fight against drug distribution networks."
