Belgian federal government to boost security at Zeebrugge Port to combat drug smuggling

The Belgian federal government is taking new steps to enhance security at the Port of Zeebrugge in its ongoing fight against drug smuggling. Finance minister Vincent Van Peteghem announced plans to hire fifty additional staff members and acquire mobile cargo scanners.

The new hires will primarily be deployed for scanning and security tasks at the terminals. Additionally, two mobile cargo scanners have been ordered and are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

Last year, customs officials conducted 9,211 scanning operations at the Port of Zeebrugge. By mid-2024, up to June, 7,932 scans had already been performed. In 2023, these efforts led to the seizure of over 4,900 kilograms of cocaine. This year, ​ authorities already intercepted 250 kilograms of marijuana in Zeebrugge.

“If we want to effectively combat drug trafficking, we must not limit our efforts to the hotspot at the Port of Antwerp,” said member of parliament Franky Demon, whose inquiry prompted Van Peteghem’s assurances. “The announced investments are crucial for the safety of our Bruges port, its employees, and the wider city.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | A police patrol boat at Zeebrugge port © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}