Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -The southern police zone conducted drug enforcement operations yesterday when they issued drug fines to people using drugs on Bethlehemplein in Sint-Gillis, which represents one of the ‘hotspot’ areas.
Police conducted an operation in Sint-Gillis, which resulted in drug use fines and drug dealer arrests at Bethlehemplein, which serves as one of the 17 designated hotspots for drugs in Brussels. The joint operation, which combined South police zone forces with the Immigration Office, led to 12 drug use fines, six administrative arrests for unauthorised immigration, and the confiscation of 3,000 euros together with 263 dollars. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office received a suspected drug dealer as part of their investigation after his arrest.
Several police officers, together with the Immigration Office, went to the square.
“The action is part of a new phase in the fight against violence related to drug trafficking,”
The Brussels public prosecutor’s office said.
“This integrated approach is aimed at the common goal of ensuring safety and liveability in our neighbourhoods.”
The police caught a total of 12 people on drugs but also made 6 administrative arrests for illegal immigrants.
“This includes 5 adults who were immediately transferred to a closed center. The unaccompanied minor was taken to a shelter.”
What is the context behind drug trafficking in Sint-Gillis?
Drug-related problems have been a long-standing issue in the Sint-Gillis municipality, particularly in Bethlehemplein, which law enforcement designated as one of the 17 active drug trafficking zones in Brussels. Reports indicate drug-related crimes in Brussels are increasing steadily while law enforcement organisations remain committed to reducing this issue.
The scale of the drug problem became visible through 1,500 drug-related incidents recorded by Brussels police in 2022. Counterfeit immigrants participating in drug trafficking networks have made the situation more complex because authorities have detected increasing numbers of administrative arrests related to these criminal activities.
The collaborative framework between police and immigration services demonstrates a comprehensive response to control drug trafficking and its related offences, including money laundering and illegal immigration activity.
