Belgium dismantles three drug labs monthly as synthetic cathinones gain ground
Belgian authorities are dismantling around three illegal drug laboratories each month, according to figures cited by De Morgen from Interior minister Bernard Quintin. In the first half of 2025, 19 laboratories were uncovered, following 33 in total in 2024. A notable trend is the increased presence of synthetic cathinones in seized operations.
Five cathinone laboratories have been found this year alone. Often referred to as "zombie drugs" due to their erratic and sometimes dangerous effects, these substances are chemically similar to amphetamines and are typically consumed by snorting, swallowing, or injecting. Their increasing prevalence mirrors developments seen across European drug markets.
Meanwhile, the number of drug waste dumping sites appears to be levelling off. So far this year, 11 sites have been discovered, which is similar to the number in 2024, but significantly lower than the 30–40 sites recorded annually between 2018 and 2022.
Anonymous hotlines in Antwerp, Limburg and Flemish Brabant enable peopleto report suspicious activity, and the establishment of a national reporting platform is being considered.
More surveillance
The Belgian government is also enhancing port security, particularly in Antwerp, a well-known hub for drug trafficking. Surveillance capacity is being expanded with drones, cameras and additional personnel, and the local maritime police force is set to increase from 200 to 300 officers.
Coordination with the Netherlands, Interpol and source countries such as Colombia and Brazil is also being strengthened.
Quintin says this upstream strategy is yielding results. In the first six months of 2025 alone, the authorities opened 72 cocaine-related investigations and seized a total of 3,600 tonnes of the drug. Many of these interceptions took place before the drugs reached Belgian territory.
#FlandersNewsService | A customs sniffer dog searching for drugs at the port of Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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