Belgium becoming ‘narco state’, judiciary warns
An Antwerp magistrate has cautioned that organized crime has emerged as a “parallel power,” directly challenging the authority of both law enforcement and the judiciary.
An anonymous letter, reportedly from an investigating judge and published on Monday on the Belgian court system’s official website, claims that Belgium is evolving into a “narco state” due to the expanding control drug gangs exert over the police and judicial systems.
Addressed to the Justice Committee of the Belgian parliament, the correspondence asserts that the circumstances in Antwerp and throughout Belgium transcend typical criminal acts, portraying an organized menace with the potential to destabilize national institutions.
The letter states that “Extensive mafia-like structures have taken root, becoming a parallel power that challenges not only the police but also the judiciary.”
It was contended in the letter that Belgium now exhibits the characteristics of a narco-state, including a significant illicit economy, pervasive corruption, and increasing violence. It cautioned that drug trafficking, facilitated through the Port of Antwerp, has fostered a “billion-dollar economy operating outside official channels.”
The judge detailed how corruption and intimidation are permeating Belgian institutions, noting that port workers, customs officers, police personnel, and even prison staff are being bribed or coerced. Furthermore, drug gangs are said to enforce their dominance through torture, kidnappings, and explosive attacks on residences.
The author revealed that certain judicial members have been compelled to reside in safe houses under police protection for several months, owing to immediate threats against their lives and families.
Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden, speaking to broadcaster VRT on Monday, described the judge’s account as “unacceptable” and committed to implementing measures to enhance security for those working within the justice system.
The judge cautioned that this intimidation is eroding Belgium’s justice system and, consequently, its democracy. The letter appealed to parliament for a comprehensive policy designed to guarantee magistrates can perform their duties both safely and efficiently.
As one of Europe’s largest maritime hubs, the Port of Antwerp (and the connected Port of Antwerp-Bruges) serves as a significant entry point for cocaine into Europe.
In 2024, customs officials in Belgium seized 44 tonnes of cocaine at the port, a decrease from the record 121 tonnes intercepted the previous year. However, authorities indicated that this reduction does not signify an improvement but instead suggests that smugglers are altering their methods by dividing shipments into smaller quantities to avoid detection.