Yet Another Cocaine Seizure in Antwerp: Europe’s Main Gateway for Latin American Drug Traffic
On March 16, 2025, Belgian customs authorities intercepted a shipment of cocaine hidden inside a container arriving from Brazil, at the port of Antwerp. This latest seizure adds to a growing number of similar incidents, confirming a troubling reality: the port of Antwerp has become the primary entry point for cocaine into Europe.
Drug traffickers are increasingly exploiting legal trade routes, concealing illicit cargo within standard containers. With its strategic position and high-volume traffic, Antwerp has become the favoured landing spot for cocaine originating in Latin American countries, particularly Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
From there, the drugs are distributed across the continent, making their way into Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Turkey and beyond. Criminal organizations are taking advantage of the complexity and scale of port operations, as well as gaps in inter-European customs coordination.
It is time for political leaders and the European Parliament to take responsibility.
The situation has reached a point where strong, coordinated action is no longer optional but imperative. Europe needs shared security strategies, investment in advanced scanning technologies, and more personnel dedicated to customs intelligence and enforcement.
This is not merely about law enforcement. The drug trade fuels organized crime, destabilizes communities, and undermines the legal economy. Turning a blind eye is no longer an option.
Europe must act, decisively and together.
Jeroen De Smet
Investigative Journalist, Brussels
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