Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ostend faces rising drug crime with shootings, stabbings, and a murder. Police Chief Hannelore Hochepied deployed 6 extra officers; 334 drug reports were issued. Mayor John Crombez announced added safety measures.
As VRT News reported, during Monday evening’s, Sep 22, 2025, city council meeting in Ostend, council members raised concerns about the city’s growing drug problem. They also highlighted the limited presence of supra-local police during the busy summer months.
What measures are the police and city taking to fight drug crime in Ostend?
Police Chief Hannelore Hochepied said the 6 extra officers assigned to Ostend over the summer were “just a drop in the ocean” compared with the challenges the city faces. She stressed that temporary reinforcements cannot replace long-term police support.
Council members called for more help from regional police forces and stronger cooperation with nearby municipalities. They also highlighted the need for lasting measures to fight organised crime, youth violence, and drug-related offences.
Police Chief Hannelore Hochepied said,
“We already have to pull 10 people from other shifts for beach policing and mobility. The six additional officers are welcome, but due to their leave periods, their deployment remains limited.”
Despite limited police resources, Ostend managed the summer months relatively well, said Police Chief Hannelore Hochepied. She warned, however, that violent incidents in late August and early September increased the sense of insecurity in the city.
In response, police launched intensified surveillance. So far, 334 reports have been issued for drug-related offences, including 67 for drug dealing. The monitoring began at 6 locations and has now expanded to 15 hotspots.
“We are adapting the appearance of parks and squares by pruning densely vegetated areas for greater visibility. Additional lighting will be installed in dark areas. Additional cameras will also be installed. We are also preparing a decision to allow searches of suspicious individuals,”
Mayor John Crombez said.
Mayor John Crombez announced additional measures to improve safety and public confidence. He said the new actions focus on tackling the city’s drug problem and making Ostend safer for everyone. The mayor said the measures work alongside police operations to monitor crime, fight organised drug networks, and prevent violent incidents.
Ostend has faced growing challenges from drug trafficking and related violence in recent years. In July 2025, a major law enforcement operation seized more than 225 kilograms of ketamine in Belgium.
The city’s location on the North Sea coast has made it a key point for criminal gangs using ports to smuggle drugs. Authorities say this situation has forced local officials to step up surveillance and seek extra support to tackle drug-related crime.
There were several serious incidents in the city. These included a shooting that left a 17-year-old severely injured, a stabbing involving an 81-year-old resident, an armed confrontation with police officers, and a murder in broad daylight.
