Sniffer dogs welcome Tomorrowland fans

Police and customs officers at Brussels Airport and elsewhere have increased checks for drugs in preparation for the arrival in Belgium of thousands of visitors for the first weekend of Tomorrowland, the popular dance festival which celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend and next.

Yesterday, the first party flight of 128 Tomorrowland fans arriving in the country from London was greeted with three sniffer dogs; no drugs were found. The festival expects the arrival of 60,000 visitors over the next two weekends, from 200 countries. This is the first time a coordinated action involving police in other countries has been carried out for the event, said Gwen Merckx, police chief of the zone Rupel where Tomorrowland is situated. Checks will also be carried out at seaports and motorways. 

“This is also a warning message,” said Peter De Waele of the federal police. “We'd like everyone to have a good time in a safe environment. Party, but leave the drugs out of it.”

The police action didn't go down well with the new arrivals. “It's a bit rude, it's not a very good welcome,” one Australian visitor told VRT News. “This isn't the best way to enter a country.”

Photo: VRT