"The amount of money that is involved to influence people, to corrupt people and to bribe it is so big that it is really a danger for the stability of our society. Extensive mafia structures had taken hold, becoming a parallel force that challenges not only the police, but the judiciary."
"More than 70% of cocaine entering Europe came through Antwerp and Rotterdam in 2024, according to Europol. Belgium's problem stems from surging amounts of the drug coming from South America, mostly Colombia: a record 121 tonnes of cocaine was seized in the country in 2023."
"But it is an evolution and it is a pressure it is a threat. We are becoming a state with a lot of corruption, with a lot of threats, with extensive mafia structures taking hold and challenging the stability of society."
Belgium confronts escalating dangers from international drug trafficking, particularly cocaine smuggling through Antwerp's major port, one of Europe's primary entry points. Senior judicial officials warn the country risks becoming a narco-state, with extensive mafia structures operating as parallel forces challenging police and judiciary authority. The enormous financial resources involved in drug operations enable widespread corruption and bribery, destabilizing society. Over 70% of Europe's cocaine enters through Antwerp and Rotterdam ports. Record cocaine seizures of 121 tonnes in 2023 fueled violent crime, though 2024 seizures dropped to 44 tonnes, possibly due to improved drug concealment methods and criminals shifting to smaller ports.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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