Belgium concerned about attacks on seized cocaine deposits

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Authorities demand more incinerators to burn seized cocaine worth millions over concerns of robberies by gangs 

Belgian authorities are demanding more incinerator spaces to burn the seized cocaine deposits from smuggling operations in the country. According to a report by the Guardian, the volume of cocaine seized at Antwerp port in Belgium is so high that the country is in need of much more incinerators, than their present capacity.  

“There’s a problem with incinerator capacity”, said, Francis Adyns, Belgian customs service spokesperson according to a report by AFP. He also confirmed the reports regarding the shortage and added, “a structural solution is on the way”. 

Belgian authorities are now concerned that the deposits where the seized cocaine is stored, could get targeted by powerful gangs.  

According to the report, Belgium faces a major crisis of illegal cocaine being imported into the country from Latin America. Officials at the port of Antwerp often intercepted immense volumes of cocaine, as the country´s port is the main port of entry for illegal trade into the European Union.  

Estimates by the Belgian authorities state, over 89.5 tonnes of cocaine was seized in 2021, which this year is expected to exceed over 100 tonnes in 2022, the report adds.  

Meanwhile, authorities are rushing to destroy all the seized deposits after reports of drones being used by suspected gang members to scout customs depots.  


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