Ine Van Wymersch is exploring this question. Since 2023, she has been Belgium's first national drugs commissioner. In collaboration with the National Drugs Commission, she is advancing a national strategy in Belgium that brings together law enforcement, the judiciary, ports, companies, and citizens. The central tenet of that approach is the Iceberg Strategy.
Imagine an iceberg. The visible tip above the water represents the incidents you see reported in the media. Think of large seizures, violence or explosions. But beneath the water’s surface lies a much larger, less visible structure: money laundering, corruption, blackmail, employee exploitation, and even traffic deaths caused by drugs.
By addressing only the visible tip, the iceberg appears smaller, yet the core issue stays intact, allowing it to quickly resurface.
The national approach combines two mutually reinforcing tracks:
Port of Antwerp-Bruges supports the security services wherever possible. This authority mainly concerns security matters. We verify that all security measures are properly implemented. This covers physical security, such as ISPS regulations, but also virtual security. Using cameras, sensors, drones, and various types of computer systems, such as Certified Pick up, we are building a digital ‘security net’ for the port.
Furthermore, we promote the efficient sharing of information and support the implementation of technology and data analysis. Raising awareness among port personnel is another important pillar to which the Port Authority can contribute. By properly informing port employees about the dangers of drug trafficking, we help protect them from criminal organisations.
Cooperation is the key to combating organised crime. Drug networks always seek out the weakest link. Stricter controls in one port often cause criminals to relocate to another. That is why it is important for ports and other players in the logistics chain to work together when it comes to security. Even if they are competitors.
Ports are increasingly agreeing to:
Several collaborations are already in place, for instance between Port of Antwerp-Bruges and major European ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg. The Port2Port Security Platform was recently launched by all Belgian ports in cooperation with the National Drugs Commission, with the aim of ensuring integrated security for all port facilities in Belgium.
Technology may be helpful, but it cannot see everything. Criminals actively seek ways to circumvent scanners and checks, for example by dissolving cocaine in fruit juice. This is why human input remains indispensable.
What makes the difference in practice:
Humans remain one of the most effective barriers in the entire security chain.
See anything suspicious in or around the port? Then contact (anonymously) PortWatch, the national reporting centre of the federal government.
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