Approximately 116 tonnes of cocaine was intercepted in the port of Antwerp last year – beating 2022's record of 110 tonnes, according to the customs' annual figures presented on Wednesday.
Customs once again seized a record quantity of cocaine over the course of the year, with seizures rising year-on-year since 2017 (when about 40 tonnes of cocaine was found). In the port of Zeebrugge, five tonnes of cocaine were seized in 2023 as well.
"The fight against international drug trafficking requires a lot of expertise and energy from our customs. Thousands of employees spread all over the country gave their best in once again extraordinary circumstances last year," said Federal Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem, in charge of coordinating the fight against fraud.
While this was officially the last presentation of annual figures of this legislature, he stressed that it remains his goal to continue efforts. "We have increased investment in people and resources in recent years for the first time in a long time. It remains my conviction to support and strengthen customs and customs officers."
The Port of Antwerp is the preferred point of entry for criminal organisations smuggling drugs into Europe, followed by the major ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg. International cooperation, customs and police services have intercepted record quantities and concerted efforts at these ports to dismantle criminal organisations.
In 2023, thanks in part to the establishment of the Port Security Corps, the Shipping Police in Antwerp made 150 drug-related arrests in the port area; the Federal Judicial Police of Antwerp opened almost 190 new investigations on criminal drug activities in and around the port, largely thanks to tips and uncovering networks of dealers.
Cross-border cooperation
The figures were presented at Dutch Customs in Vlissingen at a joint press event between Belgian and Dutch Customs on Wednesday morning, in the presence of Van Peteghem (CD&V) and Dutch State Secretary Aukje De Vries. As the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam are facing the same challenges the two countries collaborate on drug seizures.
Besides cocaine, nearly five tonnes of cannabis and three tonnes of heroin were also seized in Antwerp in 2023. This is almost twice as much heroin as detained in 2022.
Colombia, Ecuador and Panama remain the top countries of origin – as has been the case for many years. These countries also dominate the lists in the Dutch seaports, showing "more than ever" that strong cross-border cooperation must and will continue in the years to come.
Customs also announced plans to start using the long-awaited five mobile scanners at the end of this month. This apparatus will be able to scan suspicious containers as soon as they come off the boat. The other four mobile scanners will be commissioned during the year.
