The Belgian customs department wants to increase the speed of cocaine destruction, but underutilised incineration capabilities and staffing shortages are impeding this goal.
On Monday, the head of customs at Antwerp Port urged for a swifter incineration process for seized drug shipments to protect his staff against violent drug traffickers.
The situation is deplored by the Flemish Minister for the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA). Currently, 20 tonnes of drugs can be incinerated nationwide each week under the prevailing protocols.
However, logistics need to be reviewed for Indaver, the waste processing company run by Fernand Huts, which handles the drug transfers, as stated by Demir’s office. Concerns remain that not all scheduled drug destruction slots are being filled.
The minister notes that Indaver, situated in the heart of Antwerp port and near the crime scene, should utilise its capacity more effectively. Despite its prime location, there appear to be organisational issues.
According to Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD), the transportation of confiscated drugs to incineration facilities does not present a systemic problem. Rather, he perceives it as an isolated issue that should be addressed in the coming days by the responsible authorities.
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OVAM waste company spokesperson Jan Verheyen highlights in an interview on VRT Radio 1 that there are no capacity issues at the incinerators. In Flanders, there are three ovens for hazardous waste which collectively can handle over 100,000 tonnes.
He states that there are no waiting times, yet specific slots have to be agreed with the customs to incinerate the drugs. Van Tigchelt insists that the respective authorities – the customs and Indaver – need to establish practical agreements.
Indaver was unavailable for comment on Monday afternoon.
