The port city of Antwerp in Belgium is currently grappling with a severe drug problem, with record amounts of cocaine being seized by authorities in the area. The issue has been further brought to light following the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl, who was caught in the crossfire of a drug-related shooting. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for more action to be taken to combat the issue.
According to the Belgian Federal Police, the port of Antwerp is a key entry point for drugs into Europe, with the majority of the cocaine seized in the country being intercepted in the port. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of cocaine being seized, with authorities seizing over 22 tons of the drug in 2022 alone. This is a record amount and represents a significant increase from previous years.
Drug-related violence has also risen in the city, with gunshots being heard in several neighborhoods. This has led to concerns about the safety of residents and the normalization of drug use in the community.
The Belgian Minister of Justice, Koen Geens, has warned that drug use is becoming normalized in the country and that more needs to be done to combat the issue. He stated, “Drug use is becoming normalized in our society, and this is a worrying trend that we need to address.” “We need to take action now before the problem becomes even more severe.”
The death of the 11-year-old girl and the ongoing drug problem in Antwerp highlight the urgent need for action to be taken to address the issue. It is a tragic reminder of the human cost of the drug trade and the need for a concerted effort to combat it. As the Minister of Justice said, “We can’t wait any longer; we need to act now to protect our citizens and our communities.”