Belgium could face the danger of turning into a “narco-state” if the growing influence of organised drug networks is not effectively tackled, a senior judge has warned, highlighting the mounting power of international criminal gangs operating through the country’s ports and institutions.
Bart Willocx, president of the Antwerp court of appeal, raised alarm over the scale of drug trafficking and the vast financial resources available to criminal organisations, saying the problem is not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious threat to the stability of Belgian society. According to him, the enormous profits generated by narcotics trafficking enable criminal groups to bribe officials, infiltrate key sectors and exert pressure on public institutions.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns that organised crime groups are becoming more sophisticated and powerful, particularly in and around the port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s main entry points for cocaine shipments from Latin America. Law enforcement agencies believe the port’s vast cargo operations make it vulnerable to infiltration by smugglers who exploit container traffic to move large quantities of drugs into Europe.
Statistics underline the scale of the problem. More than 70% of the cocaine entering Europe passed through the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam in 2024, according to law-enforcement estimates. Belgian authorities also seized a record 121 tonnes of cocaine in 2023, reflecting both the growing volume of trafficking and intensified enforcement efforts.
Officials say the rise in narcotics trafficking has been accompanied by an escalation in violence and corruption. Criminal groups have allegedly paid large bribes to port workers and other insiders to facilitate smuggling operations, while threats, intimidation and even kidnapping plots have been reported in attempts to recover seized shipments or silence potential witnesses.
Belgian prosecutors have also voiced concern over the way criminal gangs recruit vulnerable young people to assist with drug operations, offering quick money in exchange for tasks such as retrieving containers or transporting narcotics. These developments, authorities warn, risk entrenching organised crime within local communities and weakening public trust in state institutions.
The justice system itself has not been immune to pressure. Some judges and public officials have reportedly required police protection or been forced into hiding due to threats from criminal groups involved in the drug trade. Legal authorities say the justice system is struggling to cope with the scale and complexity of organised crime cases, partly because of limited resources and staff shortages.
Investigations into encrypted messaging platforms such as the media have exposed the extensive reach of international drug networks operating across Europe. Belgian authorities have used data obtained from the platform to dismantle several trafficking operations and secure more than 1,200 convictions linked to organised crime.
Despite these successes, members of the judiciary say stronger measures are needed to prevent criminal networks from undermining the rule of law. A reform initiative known as “Five to Twelve” has proposed around 100 measures aimed at strengthening the justice system and restoring public confidence. However, some judges have criticised the government for failing to act quickly enough to implement meaningful reforms.
Legal experts warn that without urgent action to curb drug trafficking, strengthen institutions and protect judicial officials, Belgium could face increasing pressure from organised crime groups whose financial power and international connections allow them to operate across borders and influence society at multiple levels.
