Belgian customs seized 16.7 tonnes of cocaine during first half of 2025

Belgian customs seized 16.7 tonnes of cocaine in the Antwerp region during the first half of 2025, as drug traffickers continue to evolve their criminal strategies, reports RTBF/Belga.

The quantity of white powder recovered was approximately five tonnes less than during the same period in 2024, according to the General Administration of Customs and Excise.

But the total number of seizings has increased: 82 were recorded during the six-month period, compared to 62 last year.

This decreasing trend suggests a shift in criminal strategies, with traffickers now attempting to smuggle smaller quantities spread over a larger number of shipments.

“Organised crime is constantly adapting,” pointed out Kristian Vanderwaeren, head of the Customs and Excise service. While the number of seizures in Belgium has dipped, South America has seen a sharp increase in interceptions destined for Belgian territory.

“The beast hasn't disappeared,” he underlined. “While in South America, we intercepted 'only' 20 tonnes destined for Belgium in the first half of 2024, we're already at 51 tonnes this year.”

Criminals diversifying drug routes

In 2023, 45 tonnes were seized in South America with Belgium as the final destination, compared to 81 tonnes in 2024. The cocaine originated mainly from Latin America (Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Suriname and Nicaragua).

Cocaine seizures also declined in the Netherlands in the first half of 2025, with 15.6 tonnes found by officers. In Rotterdam, some seven tonnes were intercepted, almost a 50% drop compared to 2024.

Criminals appear to be diversifying their routes by turning to smaller ports such as Amsterdam and Vlissingen. Vanderwaeren said he was not "surprised" by this change in tactics, as illustrated by a recent major seizing in the French port of Dunkirk.

Concealment of drugs in legal cargo

Drug seizings in the port of Antwerp had already declined in 2024, with 44 tonnes found compared to 116 tons in 2023. However, customs warned at the time of an increase in trafficking of synthetic drugs such as ecstasy and amphetamines.

The most widely used method of shipping illegal drugs shipments is hiding them in ‘rip-off’ legal cargo. Customs services report increasingly inventive concealment tactics, with cocaine found in fake bananas, drinks, fake magnets and even in the pallets themselves.

To combat drug trafficking, Vanderwaeren highlighted the need to “continue to invest in human resources, technology, and international cooperation to ensure the security of our ports.”

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