Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Belgian authorities announced on the 21st that nearly 55 tons of cocaine were seized at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium's largest port, in 2025, a 24% increase compared to 2024, indicating that Antwerp remains one of the "gateways" for drug trafficking gangs to reach the European continent.
The Belgian Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Justice held a joint press conference that day to report on Belgium's drug enforcement situation in 2025. Data shows that nearly 55 tons of cocaine were seized at the Port of Antwerp in 2025, nearly 11 tons more than in 2024, representing a 24% increase.
Meanwhile, more than 20 tons of marijuana were seized at the Port of Antwerp in 2025, nearly five times the amount in 2024. Most of this marijuana originated from Canada, where it is legalized, indicating that a large amount of surplus Canadian marijuana is attempting to enter Europe through the Port of Antwerp.
The ports of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Antwerp in Belgium are currently the largest and second largest ports in Europe. In recent years, drug smuggling has become increasingly rampant at both ports, which are considered two major "gateways" for drug trafficking gangs to reach the European continent, resulting in consistently high volumes of drugs seized at these ports.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Jeanpon stated at a press conference that to block drug trafficking routes, Belgian customs will increase its investment in 2025, scanning a total of 72,500 high-risk containers at the Port of Antwerp throughout the year. The ultimate goal is to achieve "100% scanning" of all high-risk containers at the Port of Antwerp.
Furthermore, in 2025, Belgium finalized anti-drug initiatives or action plans with Latin American countries such as Panama and Peru. Earlier this year, Belgium also established a customs commissioner in Washington, D.C., hoping to intercept drugs destined for the Port of Antwerp in Latin America and other "hotspot" countries through strengthened international cooperation. (End)
