Police dismantle violent drug gang in Brussels

The federal judicial police in Brussels have dismantled a violent drug trafficking organisation based in Anderlecht, the Brussels prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday. 

The organisation specialised in cocaine and marijuana trafficking and had close links with criminal groups in Marseille, where arrests were also made. Twelve people were arrested in the operation.

The gang operated out of the Peterbos neighborhood, a residential area that has long been plagued by drug-related crime. In recent months, Brussels has seen a number of deadly shootouts between drug gangs.

"The organisation wanted to take control of the drug market in the Belgian capital and did not hesitate to use violent methods to achieve its goals"

"The meticulous investigation revealed that this organisation had set up its headquarters in Peterbos Park," the prosecutor's office said. "From this strategic location, they were able to plan and coordinate their illegal activities throughout Brussels and beyond." 

"The organisation wanted to take control of the drug market in the Belgian capital and did not hesitate to use violent methods to achieve its goals. The members of the network did not hesitate to use armed violence, even attempted murder and kidnapping, to intimidate their rivals and force them to give up territory."

The investigation into the organisation took several months, but raids on Tuesday led to the arrest of key members of the network. Drugs, weapons and money were also seized.

^{The Peterbos neighbourhood in Anderlecht in 2021 © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}