The major seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, which are the largest in the European Union, reported a drastic reduction in the amount of cocaine intercepted in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Belgian customs officials seized 22 metric tons, a substantial decrease from 43 metric tons, while Dutch authorities captured 16 metric tons, down from 28.
This decline in seizures is a result of intensified efforts by both countries to combat drug trafficking and related violence. Measures include increased police presence, the deployment of more advanced customs equipment, and stronger collaboration with Latin American source countries. A significant blow to drug gangs was the successful cracking of an encrypted messaging network, Sky ECC, in March 2021, which was widely used by criminals involved in drug trafficking.
Despite these successes, the crackdown in Antwerp and Rotterdam has led traffickers to shift their operations to other European ports, particularly in Spain and Scandinavian countries. “The Spanish colleagues are now under increased pressure because the criminals have decided that Antwerp and Rotterdam are maybe less attractive now,” said Kristian Vanderwaeren, Belgium’s head of customs. The trend has been corroborated by Bob Van den Berghe, regional coordinator for the container control program at the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who noted an increase in cocaine destined for Sweden and Denmark.
This situation exemplifies the Whac-A-Mole nature of drug enforcement, where efforts to suppress trafficking in one area lead to increased activity in another. The violence associated with drug trafficking has also begun to spread. In Antwerp, drug-related shootings and explosions totaled 81 incidents in 2022, with turf wars spilling onto the streets. Port workers have become targets, facing threats and violence as gangs attempt to retrieve seized drugs.
In response, some politicians are advocating for a coordinated EU-wide strategy to effectively combat drug trafficking. Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized the need for a European approach, stating, “These numbers show we need a European approach against drug trafficking.” Earlier this year, the European Commission and the then-Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU initiated the Ports Alliance, aiming to link governments, law enforcement, and port and shipping companies to enhance port security and prevent drug smuggling. So far, 31 harbors have joined this effort.
Johansson has also stressed the importance of extending this network to include Latin American countries. She has made several visits to Latin America alongside national ministers, including Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, to strengthen cooperation with source countries. However, not all intercepted drug shipments originate from Latin America. Surprisingly, the West African country of Sierra Leone topped the list of origins for cocaine seized in Antwerp, suggesting traffickers are using new routes to circumvent heightened scrutiny.
Belgian customs head Vanderwaeren acknowledged the challenge, stating, “Maybe they tried to circumvent us with the West African routes.” Additionally, traffickers are employing new smuggling methods, such as importing coca paste instead of processed cocaine. Coca paste is cheaper and less risky to transport, and European authorities have detected labs within the EU that specialize in converting coca paste into street cocaine.
Europol spokesperson Jan Op Gen Oorth confirmed the emergence of these labs, highlighting the evolving tactics of drug traffickers and the continuous need for adaptive and coordinated enforcement strategies across Europe.
