Record 160 tonnes cocaine seized at ports

At a joint press conference this month, representatives from both countries said their customs officers were working together more closely than ever in a bid to intercept the trafficking.

”International drug trafficking and related criminal organisations regularly choose the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp for their illegal activities,” they said. ”Both ports are in the centre of northwestern Europe and also have a long tradition with South American transport lines due to their international appeal.”

Most of the white powder was picked up in Antwerp, where 110 tonnes were confiscated, the remainder in Rotterdam.

”The consequences of this criminal drug trade extend far beyond ports,” said Aukje de Vries, State Secretary for Allocations and Customs, The Netherlands. ”Criminals are becoming increasingly ruthless and the consequences, such as street shootings and murders, are being felt in both countries. It is very important that our countries show solidarity in the fight against subversion.”

More than 100 new staff will be employed in Antwerp to try to bring the trade to a standstill, with new scanning equipment deployed to all high-risk containers. In the Netherlands, articifical intelligence, chemical detection and other technical investments will be made.

”The exchange of information and expertise is the beating heart of our cooperation,” said Vincent Van Peteghem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Belgium. ”These new findings show that together we can tackle international drug trafficking and its impact on our security, economy and society. The fight against drugs is a constant priority for Customs.”

Christmas was a busy period, and between Christmas Eve and January 4, cocaine weighing 4.7 tonnes and worth more than €350 million was seized at the Port of Rotterdam, Dutch media reported.Thirty-four people, including a 16-year-old boy, were arrested, the Dutch News said.