The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles and Brussels-Midi police zones have made 59 arrests in recent weeks in the Porte de Hal area during anti-drug operations, thanks to the use of new tactics.
In recent weeks, police have been implementing a new strategy to tackle drug trafficking, namely deploying plain-clothes police officers from the anti-drug squad in known street selling "hotspots". Porte de Hal was identified as a hotspot by Brussels authorities after a spate of shootings there in February.
On Thursday, a total of 59 suspects were arrested, 52 of whom were subsequently handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, according to the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone, the Brussels-Midi police zone and the Brussels Public Prosecutor's office.
"A total of 18 arrest warrants have been issued for the sale and possession of drugs and robbery with violence. 11 investigations are currently underway by various examining magistrates," the joint statement said.
Five suspects are being prosecuted under the fast-track procedure, and will soon appear before the criminal court. One case has already led to a judgement. "Two suspects have been convicted of drug trafficking offences and sentenced to 14 and 18 months' imprisonment. All other cases are being investigated," , underlined the two police authorities and the judicial body.
Just over half a kilo of soft drugs was seized during these police operations, along with 223 grams of hard drugs and 1,169 packets of cocaine, as well as €62,300 in cash and four firearms.
City of Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS) and Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette (PS), whose municipalities share the area, welcomed the announcement.
"Brussels-Capital/Ixelles and Brussels-Midi police zones join forces to effectively fight drug trafficking in square Jacques Franck and Porte de Hal," said Close on social media. "Here are the results of the collaboration with the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office. With Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette, the message is clear: we restore the peace and leave no room for traffickers."
