It sounds like a Hollywood movie, but it is the reality: the Belgian Minister of Justice is said to be kidnapped by the drug mafia. A car with Kalashnikovs and other weapons was found near his house. Detectives could still prevent the kidnapping, but the shock after this frontal attack on the state from the drug environment runs deep.
The authorities speak of a “serious threat” to Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. He recently declared war on rampant drug crime. With only 11.5 million inhabitants, Belgium has become one of the most important drug hubs in Europe.
These arrive in the port of Antwerp and from there are distributed across the continent, to Asia, the Middle East or Australia. Rotterdam is the second largest import port for cocaine. The ports are very attractive for the international drug gangs.
“Drug War” on the Street
In addition, the gangs are becoming increasingly violent – and have long since ceased trading in secret. Belgian media write about a “drug war” in the streets of Antwerp. Shots are fired over and over. Explosives explode. The perpetrators often come from the Netherlands, which borders directly on Antwerp. Young men acting on behalf of an organized gang. The four main suspects in the foiled kidnapping of the Minister of Justice are also Dutch. They have been arrested in the Haaglanden region and will be extradited.
The criminal networks of Belgium and the Netherlands are closely linked, says Dutch criminologist Prof. Dr. Cyrille Fijnhout against de Volkskrant. “Dutch criminals go to Belgium and vice versa, they abuse the border to avoid their own police and justice.” Fijnhout sees mafia-like structures in both countries. “We see the mafia base being taken to the highest level, such as violence against the state.”
The Attorney General of Brussels, Johan Delmulle, sees the danger of Belgium becoming a “narco state”. He recently said that organized crime is playing an increasing role in the cocaine trade. This leads to “increasingly violent competition between these clans and serious conflicts with mainly Dutch criminal organizations”. This increases drug-related violence. Delmulle spoke of grenade attacks, intimidation and murder. In addition, the cocaine trade has sown the seeds for other forms of crime, such as money laundering, corruption and real estate fraud.
Attorney General must pay for his work with his life
Attorney General Van Quickenborne tried to take up the fight against organized crime. He provided the authorities with more personnel, created a new investigative authority for the port and concluded an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates. Apparently he has to pay for that now.
The federal prosecutor’s office said after the initial investigation into the foiled kidnapping that “this threat should be taken seriously”. Together with his wife and children, Van Quickenborne is now under police protection at an unknown location.
The liberal politician had to cancel public appointments for the time being. In an interview with Belgian media on Tuesday, however, he was combative. “In our rule of law, we will never bow to violence, ever,” he said from hiding. At the same time, he made it clear that he sees the state in a new phase: that of drug terrorism.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
