For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid email address
SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice
Thanks for signing up to the
Breaking News email
{{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}
Record amounts of cocaine are being seized in Europe, with 303 tons stopped by EU member countries in one year alone, new figures have shown.
The news comes as customs seized 116 tons of cocaine in the port of Antwerp in 2023, setting a record for the second year in a row, Belgian authorities said on Wednesday.
Demand for cocaine is growing rapidly across the EU, and governments blame the drug trade for outbreaks of violence in major port cities like Antwerp, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Marseille in France.
The port of Antwerp has become the main gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into the continent.
Another five tons of cocaine were seized last year at the port of Zeebrugge, which is part of the larger Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem.
RECOMMENDED
Father killed in front of family is unmasked as hitman on international wanted list
Undo
Weight loss influencer Mila De Jesus dies age 35
Undo
Craft Hub
Premium Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles - Closing Sale - 85% OffCraft Hub| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Gundry MD
Heart Surgeon Begs Americans: “Stop Doing This To Your Blueberries”Gundry MD| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Powered by Taboola Powered by Taboola
“Thousands of employees, spread all over the country, gave their best in once again extraordinary circumstances last year,” the minister said.
Belgium Antwerp Cocaine
" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/01/17/10/Belgium_Antwerp_Cocaine_97315.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/01/17/10/Belgium_Antwerp_Cocaine_97315.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp 640w" src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/01/17/10/Belgium_Antwerp_Cocaine_97315.jpg" data-gallery-length="2" class="i-amphtml-fill-content i-amphtml-replaced-content" pinger-seen="true">
Belgium Antwerp Cocaine
(FILE - In this frame grab taken from video of the Belgian Finance Ministry, bags and narcotics wrapped in plastic )
The announcement was made a day after 22 people, including three police officers, were arrested in a major anti-drug bust targeting individuals suspected of smuggling cocaine through Antwerp.
Promoted stories
NatureFresh
Rodents Are Really Hard To Trap, Few Know This TrickNatureFresh Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The quantity of cocaine seized in Europe’s second largest seaport rose from 110 tons in 2022, Belgian authorities said, adding that Colombia, Ecuador and Panama remain the top origin countries.
Record amounts of cocaine are being seized in Europe, with 303 tons stopped by EU member countries in 2021, the most recent year for which figures are available. According a report from the EU agency monitoring drugs and addiction, 75% of that quantity was seized in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.
In Belgium, federal authorities say drug trafficking is penetrating society rapidly as foreign criminal organizations have built deep roots in the country, bringing along their violent and ruthless operations.
In the past four years, Antwerp has seen dozens of grenade attacks, fires and small bombs, many linked to gangs trying to carve up the thriving cocaine trade. In Belgium, then-Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne spent time living in hiding after evidence emerged drugs gangs might be seeking to kidnap him, or worse.
More about Antwerp AP Customs Brussels Belgian Netherlands Vincent Van Quickenborne Port Rotterdam Marseille France Colombia Latin American Bruges Zeebrugge Ecuador Panama Spain
1/ 2Record amount of cocaine floods Europe as drug cartels target ports
Record amount of cocaine floods Europe as drug cartels target ports
Belgium Antwerp Cocaine
Record amount of cocaine floods Europe as drug cartels target ports
Cocaine seized in Antwerp
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
New Mazda CX50
Mazda CX50 Is A True Head Turner (You'll Double Take At The Price)New Mazda CX50| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Comparisons.org
California Drivers With No DUI's Getting A Pay Day On ThursdayDrivers With No Tickets In 3 Years Should Do This On JanuaryComparisons.org| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn more
Undo
Boite A Scoop
Chrissy Metz's Photos After Her Weight Loss Are A Bit Too MuchBoite A Scoop| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
tech Samsung unveils AI-powered S24 range as it hails ‘new era of mobile’
Undo
news Police ‘left children at mercy of grooming gang paedophiles’ in Rochdale
Undo
Super C Serum
Target Shoppers Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItSuper C Serum| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
culture Kieran Culkin says divisive request to wife during Emmys acceptance speech was ‘rude’
Undo
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in