More than 300 Antwerp dock workers suspended after drug testing

More than 300 employees at the Port of Antwerp have been suspended over the past year after failing new drug-related security screenings, part of an effort by authorities to tighten controls on organised crime within one of Europe’s largest freight hubs - and Europe’s largest drug hub.

Since early 2025, the federal police has been carrying out mandatory screening of workers in Belgian ports to assess their suitability for sensitive roles under rules enforced by the National Maritime Security Authority.

About 16,678 people have now been tested, mostly at Antwerp, and about 2% received a negative security assessment, leading to immediate suspensions.

The security checks are aimed at preventing people with links to drug crime from occupying important positions in ports. A negative assessment does not bar a person from entering the port entirely, but they may no longer perform functions deemed sensitive or critical.

Authorities say the intensified screening forms part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking and organised crime at the port, which has seen record seizures of cocaine and other narcotics in recent years. The port’s size and volume of global trade make it an important transit point for illegal drugs.

Employers and unions are closely watching the rollout of the checks, with concern that strict rules could disrupt overall port activity if a significant number of workers are unable to do their tasks.

Talks are under way between unions, law enforcement and the federal government to clarify how screening should be applied.

Authorities have emphasised that the screenings are intended to strengthen security and protect legitimate trade, not to single out workers without cause.

They are part of wider efforts to safeguard Belgium’s important supply chains and prevent criminal infiltration in trade.