Anti-drugs policy

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a gateway to Europe. Antwerp and Zeebrugge are surrounded by an extensive network of international motorways, which gives access to millions of potential consumers within a few hours' drive time.

Unfortunately, the advantages that make Port of Antwerp-Bruges an easily accessible world port also mean it has to contend with a portion of the international drug traffic. Drugs arriving here are not only destined for the Belgian market; much of it is transported illegally to other European countries. Moreover, drug smugglers need large, efficient ports to make their contraband less conspicuous in the mass of other products and to get it out of the port faster.

The Belgian government is stepping up its fight against drug-related crime with a series of stricter measures. This plan focuses on both prevention and enforcement and involves cooperation with national and international partners. Below is an overview of the key initiatives:

1. Appointment of the Federal Drug Commissioner

Ine Van Wymersch was appointed in February 2023 as Belgium’s first National Drug Commissioner. Her mandate runs until 2028, and her role is to better coordinate efforts against drug-related crime and promote an integrated approach.

2. Strengthening of the Federal Maritime Police and the Establishment of the Port Security Corps

A Port Security Corps has been established, ensuring a 24/7 visible presence in the port to enhance security and combat drug crime. This corps strengthens the Federal Maritime Police, which closely cooperates with other security services.

3. Expansion of Powers for Local Authorities

The Local Committee for Maritime Security has been granted additional powers to enhance cooperation and tighten control over compliance with the ISPS Code. Risk assessments for port facilities have been reinforced, threat scenarios now include organized crime, and enforceable physical security standards have been introduced.
Port facilities that fail to comply with ISPS obligations risk administrative fines or even losing their ISPS status.

4. Stricter Fines for Cocaine Use

Fines for cocaine use have been increased to €1,000, three times higher than before. Alternative penalties, such as mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program, are also possible. These measures aim to reduce both drug use and demand.
The new government agreement introduces a zero-tolerance policy for drug dealers and repeat offenders, ensuring stricter enforcement and faster sanctions.

5. Enhanced Customs Inspection Capabilities

Belgian customs have been allocated additional resources to improve container inspections in ports. This includes:

• Deployment of new and improved scanners
• Recruitment of 108 additional customs officers for the Antwerp port platform
• Accelerated implementation of smart technologies, such as intelligent container seals

6. Stricter Screening and Access Controls for Port Personnel

All port workers in critical functions will be required to undergo a mandatory security clearance, assessing:

• Criminal records and other relevant databases
• Offenses such as theft, smuggling, drugs, and extremism
• Possible ties to criminal networks

Judges can impose a port ban on individuals involved in organized crime. This applies to all Belgian ports and includes both location and professional bans, with a maximum duration of 20 years.

7. International Cooperation in the Belgian Justice System

Belgium is strengthening cooperation with foreign judicial authorities and governments, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Several treaties have been signed, including extradition agreements for suspects and criminals. Collaboration with other European countries, such as the Netherlands and France, has also been reinforced to improve the detection and interception of drug shipments.

Additionally, in January 2024, the European Commission launched the European Ports Alliance at the Port House in Antwerp. This public-private partnership aims to protect logistics hubs from drug crime and criminal infiltration. This initiative is a crucial step in making Belgium’s and Europe’s ports more resilient against organized crime.

Collaboration

The City of Antwerp, the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, the local, federal and maritime police, justice, customs, Directorate-General for Shipping, the Harbour Master's Office, companies at the port, including the container terminals and everyone who works at the port, all work together in the fight against international drug trafficking. In that context, the Port Authority also participates in foreign missions and has established a confidential cooperation/coalition with the ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg.

Physical security and access control of ISPS port facilities 

The Harbour Master's Office oversees terminals' proper compliance with ISPS security procedures and obliges an access and registration policy for all businesses in the port. That way, people cannot just come and go as they please. In addition, the various terminal operators take extra measures to protect their employees, activities and company premises. They strictly supervise who has access.

Virtual secure port

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is aiming to create a digital ‘security network’ for the port. To this end, we are using cameras, sensors and various computer systems. The Certified Pick-Up platform, for example, ensures that the picking up of containers is digitally secured and that it is always possible to find out who picked up a particular container.

Awareness-raising among port staff

Drug gangs put pressure on port staff to help them with drug trafficking. Anyone who helps with drug smuggling at the port, in whatever way and for whatever reason, risks heavy prison sentences. and a port ban. This is why it is important to inform port staff of the dangers of drug trafficking and to protect them from criminal organisations. CEPA and other sectors in the port sensitize port workers and make them aware of the dangers of drug trafficking for their personal safety and the safety of their families.

'PortWatch' 'reporting point

How can you help to keep the port drug-free? By reporting suspicious situations! Your report could help the police with their investigation, meaning they can act in a more targeted and effective manner. Report suspicious situations anonymously at 'PortWatch'.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is and will remain a safe port for ships and crews calling at our port. The partners (justice, judicial and maritime police, customs, the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority and the private port community) are joining forces to reduce the illegal trade in cocaine through our port. 

There is no miracle solution to stop drug trafficking. This is why it is essential to tackle the drugs problem on several fronts at the same time. This is also included in the National Drug Policy which, under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Charlotte Colman, covers a wide range of actions including measures on drug demand, prevention, health, research and so on.