Government to increase police presence in Brussels to tackle drug violence
Federal Interior minister Bernard Quintin and Justice minister Annelies Verlinden want to increase the police presence on the streets of Brussels. They said this during a press conference on Friday morning in response to the shootings in the Belgian capital this week.
On Friday morning, the people of Brussels woke up to the news that a person had been killed in the Peterbos district in Anderlecht. This is the fourth shooting in the Belgian capital this week. The mayor of Anderlecht, Fabrice Cumps, says there is a territorial war between drug gangs operating in the Brussels municipality.
In response to the violence, the six police zones in the Brussels-Capital Region are being merged so that they can patrol in Anderlecht. While this is only a temporary measure, the De Wever government plans to merge them permanently to free up more resources and manpower. Quintin said on Friday he wants this merger to happen as soon as possible.
Federal police reserves
The police presence in Brussels will also be increased, the ministers announced. Increased police presence in metro stations has already been in place since Thursday, in response to the shootings in the Clemenceau metro. On Friday, federal police reserves were deployed in the Brussels district of Anderlecht. It is not yet clear how many officers are involved.
The federal government also plans to expand the regional security strategy and the so-called 'hotspot' plan. In March 2024, the Brussels government identified 15 problem neighbourhoods and 'hotspots' where there is a constant police presence.
"We will continue to strengthen this method," says Verlinden. "We cannot leave the streets of Brussels to the criminals. There is a great sense of insecurity among Brussels residents and commuters. (...) It is all hands on deck."
"We cannot leave the streets of Brussels to the criminals"
International cooperation
In addition to an increased police presence, the ministers also want to raise awareness about the impact of drug use. "We must inform everyone of their responsibilities, including consumers," said Quintin.
Finally, the government also wants to combat money laundering and illegal arms trafficking by improving cooperation with foreign partners.
Justice minister Annelies Verlinden and Interior minister Bernard Quintin. © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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