Task force led by PM to tackle Brussels drug violence
The federal government is setting up a task force in the fight against drug crime. It will be led by prime minister Bart De Wever and is composed of several ministers.
De Wever announced on Thursday that Interior minister Bernard Quintin and Justice minister Annelies Verlinden would report to the council of ministers on Friday on the fight against drug-related violence in Brussels. “If additional measures are needed to curb drug violence, they have my support,” he said.
The council of ministers decided to set up a task force “to implement the elements of the coalition agreement on organised crime as soon as possible”. Initially, this will be done in coordination with the Quintin and Verlinden. Ministers responsible for other elements of the agreement will join when appropriate.
“The whole government is taking responsibility for what is happening in Belgium - not just in Brussels”
Quintin afterwards referred to the responsibilities of the Finance minister, responsible for customs, and the Defence minister. He reiterated his call for military personnel to be used for static surveillance tasks, which he said would free up as many as 200 police officers for duties on the streets.
“Above all, this shows that the whole government is taking responsibility for what is happening in Belgium - not just in Brussels,” he said. “The idea is not to meet for long days to chat. We consult to decide.”
'I have sent the cavalry'
He said that the coalition agreement already contained a lot of security and justice actions, which now need to be implemented, citing the implementation of a new Canal Plan and the merger of the Brussels police zones.
The 19 Brussels mayors are however not all in favour of that merger. Quintin said he wanted to talk to all mayors within two weeks.
He also stressed that action has already been taken: more police officers have been sent to Anderlecht, more people have been deployed in the metro, and from Monday, Brussels' federal judicial police will be reinforced by 15 people.
“I have sent the cavalry,” he said, adding that the region and municipalities must also take their responsibility.
An armoured police car in Anderlecht, Brussels © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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