Plan Argos launched to tackle drug crime in Ghent port

Authorities have unveiled “Plan Argos”, a new strategy to combat rising drug crime in the port of Ghent, part of North Sea Port. The plan brings together government bodies, police and businesses under the coordination of the harbour master.

The initiative aims to create a “smart and resilient” port, using tools such as cameras, drones and stricter access controls, alongside increased vigilance from staff. Officials say this will make it far harder for smugglers to operate unnoticed.

North Sea Port stretches more than 60 kilometres and runs through residential areas. While this open layout supports trade, it also makes the port more vulnerable. As checks tighten in major ports, criminal networks are increasingly targeting alternative hubs like Ghent to smuggle drugs, particularly cocaine. This has also led to related crimes, including bribery and violence.

The port mainly handles bulk goods such as grain, coal and liquids rather than containers. This makes inspections more complex, as drugs are often hidden deep within cargo or ship machinery. Between 2021 and 2025, only 25% of high-risk vessels were fully checked.

Recent cases highlight the urgency: 70 kg of cocaine was seized from a bulk carrier from South America, a gang importing over three tonnes was dismantled in Sint-Niklaas, and a criminal group posing as police was arrested after a drug theft in Temse. Synthetic drug labs were also uncovered in Assenede and Oudenaarde, while a key figure linked to port smuggling was sentenced to seven years in prison in Ghent.

Plan Argos is based on research from Ghent University and includes measures focused on better monitoring, stronger security barriers, improved cooperation and increased reporting of suspicious activity.

Officials say the plan is already being rolled out and stress that close cooperation between all partners will be key to improving safety in the port.

North Sea Port is a major economic hub, generating around €12.7 billion in added value and supporting more than 106,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is the third-largest port in Europe in terms of economic value and plays a key role in transport links across the continent.

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^{​#FlandersNewsService | Police captured cocaine that was being transported from Santos (Brazil) to North Sea Port Ghent © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}