Brussels prosecutor warns of 'catastrophic' situation in tackling drug violence
Speaking to the Brussels Parliament's Home Affairs Committee on Tuesday, the city's Chief Prosecutor, Julien Moinil, outlined the challenges facing the police in the fight against drug crime. Despite recent efforts that have led to the arrest of more than 300 suspected drug dealers since January, the situation is catastrophic, he insisted.
A fatal shooting in the Clemenceau metro station last weekend underlined the crisis, as the federal police lacked the resources to take over the investigation, forcing the overstretched local police to step in. Moinil lamented this "shift in responsibilities", criticised the underfunding of the federal police and questioned how the reinforcements promised by Interior minister Bernad Quintin (MR) will materialise.
A police car pictured near the Clemenceau metro station after last weekend's deadly shooting.
Overcrowded prisons
Beyond policing, Moinil pointed to overcrowded prisons, with prisoners forced to sleep on the floor, and court delays that undermine deterrence. Alternatives such as electronic tagging and community service have limited impact if sentences are delayed or offenders continue to receive financial support.
Moinil also criticised disparities in sentencing, where undocumented offenders often serve full sentences, while major drug traffickers can secure early release. National Drugs Commissioner Ine Van Wymersch echoed these concerns, comparing the fight against drug crime to an iceberg - visible violence is only the tip, while deeper socio-economic factors, corruption and money laundering remain unaddressed.
Both officials called for urgent systemic reforms and urged coordinated efforts at all levels of government to break the cycle of crime and impunity.
On the night of Monday to Tuesday, another shooting took place near the Saint-Guidon metro station in Anderlecht, injuring one person. It is the latest in a series of shootings that have rocked Brussels in recent days.
Chief Prosecutor Julien Moinil at Tuesday's meeting © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND Metro Clemenceau © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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