Brussels, 2o October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Brussels police transport unit has reported 110 arrests since January 2026, as authorities intensify operations against drug trafficking, fugitives and criminal activity across the Belgian capital’s public transport network.
The specialised TECOV team, operating within the Brussels-West police zone, released its latest enforcement figures on Monday, 19 October. According to police, the arrests resulted in 72 arrest warrants and nine fast-track summonses before the criminal court.
The figures highlight the role of specialist officers in tackling crime around metro stations, railway facilities and public transport connections in western Brussels.
Brussels Police Record 110 Arrests in Transport Operations
The TECOV service operates across five municipalities: Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Koekelberg, Jette, Ganshoren and Berchem-Sainte-Agathe.
Its seven plain-clothes officers specialise in surveillance, identifying suspects and apprehending individuals caught committing offences.
Police confirmed that 61 arrests involved suspected drug dealing detected during operations. Officers also executed 13 capture orders involving fugitives or individuals avoiding prison sentences.
The operations resulted in significant seizures, including:
- 37.8 kilograms of cannabis
- 15 kilograms of heroin
- 3.8 kilograms of cocaine
- 385 grams of synthetic drugs
- €93,000 in cash
- Nine weapons
The seizures demonstrate the scale of illegal substances and other items recovered during targeted policing operations.
Police Inspector Explains Specialist Surveillance Strategy
Chief Inspector Nicolas Cosse, who has led TECOV for nearly a decade, emphasised the importance of officers’ experience and direct engagement with communities.
Speaking to Belgian news agency Belga, Cosse explained that the team’s expertise had developed through years of working on foot and maintaining regular contact with the public.
Officers receive specialised training in surveillance techniques and tackling pickpocketing offences.
The team covers seven metro stations, four railway stations and surface public transport services throughout its jurisdiction.
Neighbourhood policing and intervention teams provide daily operational support.
Cosse identified drug-related offences and sensitive locations around public transport, including Ribaucourt, as particular priorities.
Brussels-West Police Intensify Action Against Drug Trafficking
The latest results form part of wider efforts to combat organised drug distribution and related criminal activity across western Brussels.
According to police figures, broader anti-drug operations across the Brussels-West zone resulted in 270 judicial arrests during the first six months of 2026.
The Brussels police transport unit contributes to these efforts by concentrating on transport infrastructure and surrounding areas where suspects may conduct illegal activities.
Alongside enforcement, officers also refer some vulnerable individuals to safer drug consumption facilities and social support organisations.
This approach combines criminal investigations with access to services addressing drug-related health and social problems.
What the Police Crackdown Means for Brussels Commuters
Public transport security remains an important concern for residents, workers and visitors travelling throughout Brussels.
Targeted policing around stations and transport connections is intended to disrupt drug dealing, theft and other offences affecting public spaces.
However, the reported arrests do not independently establish whether overall crime across the transport network has increased or decreased.
Arrest warrants and court summonses also represent stages of judicial proceedings rather than findings of guilt.
What Happens Next for Brussels Transport Security?
TECOV’s existing responsibilities include continued surveillance and enforcement across the Brussels-West public transport network.
The unit’s work remains supported by neighbourhood officers and intervention teams, with drug-related offences among its identified priorities.
The announcement did not confirm additional recruitment, funding increases or new operational deadlines.
The latest figures nevertheless provide a detailed account of specialist enforcement activity as Brussels authorities continue addressing crime around public transport infrastructure.
