Why Belgium is now the cocaine capital of Europe

Summary

Belgium, once mocked as boring, has become Europe's cocaine trafficking capital, with the port of Antwerp at the center of a sophisticated and highly lucrative smuggling network. Criminal groups, particularly from the Western Balkans, exploit Antwerp's vast shipping infrastructure to smuggle cocaine from South America to Europe. Despite record cocaine seizures, traffickers continue to thrive, using violence, corruption, and extensive bribery to evade authorities. With law enforcement struggling to keep up, experts warn that without improved resources and international cooperation, Belgium may face the rise of a 'Narco state' within a decade.

Takeaways

• 😀 Belgium, specifically the Port of Antwerp, has become Europe's cocaine trafficking hub, with criminal groups from the Western Balkans leading the charge.
• 😀 In 2020, Antwerp accounted for 40% of all cocaine seizures in the EU, yet law enforcement estimates they only catch about 10% of the total drugs being smuggled.
• 😀 Shipping containers are the preferred method for cocaine traffickers due to their low cost, high volume, and ability to hide illicit goods within legitimate cargo.
• 😀 Bananas are commonly used to smuggle cocaine from Latin America to Europe because they are perishable goods that need to move quickly through customs.
• 😀 The cocaine trade has grown in Europe due to the higher price of cocaine compared to North America, along with lower risks of interdiction and extradition.
• 😀 Balkan criminal groups, including those from Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia, have exploited the chaos from the Balkan Wars to build strong, violent, and resourceful drug trafficking networks.
• 😀 These traffickers have expanded their reach, controlling the entire supply chain of cocaine, from Latin America to Europe, including finding new routes through Northern Europe.
• 😀 Corruption is a key factor in the success of cocaine traffickers, with bribes paid to port workers and officials to ensure smooth operations, even in wealthier European countries.
• 😀 The extreme violence and wealth from cocaine trafficking allow these groups to influence politics and evade law enforcement, as seen with the mayor of Antwerp needing constant police protection.
• 😀 Despite law enforcement efforts, such as Belgium's largest-ever operation in 2021, traffickers continue to thrive, as the market remains profitable and difficult to disrupt with current resources.
• 😀 A more coordinated international approach and resources for law enforcement are necessary to combat the cocaine trade, but a radical shift towards decriminalizing drugs may ultimately be needed to break the control of criminal organizations.

Q & A

Why has Belgium become Europe's cocaine trafficking capital?

Belgium, particularly the Port of Antwerp, has become Europe's cocaine trafficking hub due to its strategic location, extensive infrastructure, and the sheer volume of containers passing through the port, which traffickers exploit to hide their shipments.

How significant is the cocaine trafficking problem at the Port of Antwerp?

The Port of Antwerp is responsible for 40% of all cocaine seizures in the EU. In 2021, over 100 tons of cocaine were seized in Belgium, which accounts for more than one-fifth of all cocaine seizures in the European Union.

What challenges do law enforcement face in stopping cocaine trafficking in Antwerp?

Law enforcement struggles with limited resources, as only about 2% of containers are physically checked. The vast volume of global trade passing through Antwerp makes it impossible to inspect every shipment, allowing traffickers to rely on the sheer numbers to evade detection.

Why do traffickers prefer Antwerp as a point of entry for cocaine?

Traffickers favor Antwerp because of its efficient logistics, high-speed container handling, and its location as Europe's second-largest and most inland seaport, which facilitates quick distribution across the continent.

What role do criminal groups from the Western Balkans play in the cocaine trade?

Criminal groups from the Western Balkans, such as those from Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia, have been highly entrepreneurial in expanding cocaine trafficking operations. They have established routes, built connections in South America, and now control much of the supply chain from production to distribution.

How do traffickers smuggle cocaine from South America to Europe?

Traffickers often use shipping containers to smuggle cocaine. Bananas, a major export from Latin America to Europe, are a common cover for hiding cocaine, exploiting the perishable nature of the product to rush it through customs with minimal inspection.

What impact has cocaine trafficking had on corruption in Belgium?

Cocaine trafficking has led to widespread corruption within Belgium, with traffickers bribing port officials to overlook containers filled with cocaine. High-ranking police officers and even politicians have been implicated in scandals involving bribes and collusion with criminal organizations.

How has the price of cocaine in Europe compared to other regions?

Cocaine is more expensive in Europe than in North America, making it a more lucrative market for traffickers. This price difference, coupled with lower risks of interdiction and extradition, has contributed to Europe becoming the primary target for cocaine shipments.

What are the main profits for traffickers in the cocaine trade?

The main profit for traffickers is in the transportation of cocaine. While production and retail profits are significant, the transportation markups—especially in Europe—can be as high as 1500%, far surpassing profits from other stages of the cocaine trade.

What are the potential long-term consequences for Belgium if cocaine trafficking continues unchecked?

If cocaine trafficking continues at its current pace, Belgium could become a 'Narco state,' with criminal organizations exerting significant control over both the economy and politics, leading to widespread corruption and instability.