Police in Brussels have carried out a large operation targeting drug trafficking and related criminal activity, resulting in arrests, cash seizures and the forced closure of five hospitality businesses. The operation involved several police services and other public agencies working together across locations identified as areas of concern. Authorities checked thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles as part of the action. The operation formed part of a wider government plan aimed at addressing urban crime, drug dealing and violence linked to the illegal drug trade.
According to the information released after the operation, police carried out checks involving more than 11,000 people and 641 vehicles. Eight hospitality businesses were inspected, and five were ordered to close. Officers also seized cash, weapons and drugs during the checks. The operation resulted in 36 arrests, including both administrative and judicial detentions. Authorities said the action was designed to disrupt criminal networks and increase security in areas where drug-related activity has been reported.
The operation involved more than 400 personnel from different services. The federal police worked with Brussels’ six local police zones and railway police, while public transport operator STIB also took part. Other agencies, including railway security and immigration services, supported the operation. This cooperation allowed authorities to carry out checks in several locations and cover both public transport areas and commercial districts. Officials say coordinated operations can help identify suspected offenders and improve the flow of information between agencies.
The checks also produced a large number of administrative reports and transport-related penalties. STIB inspectors checked passengers for valid travel documents, while police carried out additional identity and vehicle checks. Several vehicles were seized, including cars, scooters and electric scooters. Officers also recovered knives and other weapons, alongside cash believed to be linked to criminal activity. The closures of five hospitality businesses show that the operation extended beyond street-level checks to premises suspected of being connected with illegal activity.
The action reflects the authorities’ continuing effort to address drug trafficking and public safety concerns in Brussels. Drug-related crime can affect neighbourhoods through violence, intimidation and the presence of illegal markets. Police operations alone may not solve these problems, but officials argue that targeted enforcement can disrupt criminal activity and support wider prevention work. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring identified hotspots as part of the government’s broader urban security strategy.
