In May last year, it was decided to temporarily place 50 security officers from the Security Directorate (DAB), who were then responsible for the security of the nuclear power plant in Doel, in a ‘port corps’. Defense in turn took over the tasks in Doel. At the same time, the federal police began recruiting and training the eventual port security corps.
More than 400 people registered for the selection tests, 83 people were retained and 71 aspirants started the training last year. In the meantime, 49 new security officers have been working at the maritime police in Antwerp since the beginning of this month, and 20 others will graduate in May or June.
Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD) certainly believes that the extra “boots on the ground” is not a quick solution or a measure for nothing. “We are bricking up the port and making it an unattractive environment,” says the minister, who used to be responsible for drug files in Antwerp. “This is how we break the revenue model.”
In concrete terms, the number of drug-related arrests went from 150 in 2023 to “only” 19 in the first four months of this year. In 2023 (as of the beginning of May, ed.) a total of 2,573 people and 2,015 vehicles were checked. In the first four months of this year this was 2,724 people and 2,142 vehicles.
“The security checks, the targeted patrols and the general visible presence of teams on the site have a dissuasive effect on drug extractors,” the federal police believes. However, people want to remain cautious when interpreting all the figures. Criminal organizations can adapt quickly and be creative. The drug mafia is currently trying to shift its territory and working methods away from the quays.
Finally, the maritime police recently also had its own investigation service. In addition, a maritime security cell was set up and the number of staff for intervention teams and border controls would be increased. There are currently 184 people working in the maritime police, the target is still 312.
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