A wave of organized crime is gripping the Belgian capital, with over 65 shootings recorded this year alone. Drug trafficking disputes are escalating into high-stakes gang wars involving heavy weaponry.

  • Over 65 shootings have been reported in Brussels so far this year.
  • Drug-dealing hotspots generate up to €50,000 per day.
  • Criminals have escalated violence by targeting police stations with AK-47s.
  • Minors as young as 12 are being recruited into organized crime.

The streets of Brussels, once known for their charm, are increasingly becoming a battleground for organized drug syndicates. Last Monday, the peace of the St Gilles neighborhood was shattered when gunmen turned Salvatore's pizzeria into a crime scene. Salvatore, the owner, described a scene of terror where customers, including children, had to dive for cover as bullets riddled his establishment. This incident is part of a terrifying trend: more than 65 shootings have occurred in the Belgian capital this year alone.

The Economics of Chaos

At the heart of this escalating violence is an immense amount of money. According to Jurgen de Landsheer, the chief of Brussels South Police, a single successful drug-dealing point can net a dealer upwards of €50,000 ($58,000) per day. This massive influx of cash fuels a cycle of violence as rival gangs fight for control over these lucrative territories. There are currently more than 200 active drug-dealing points scattered across the city.

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BozokMedia analysis shows that the proximity to major European transit hubs and ports like Antwerp—which has seen record cocaine seizures—makes Brussels a prime target for international drug trafficking networks.

"There is no magic solution. We need prevention over repression," says police chief Jurgen de Landsheer.

Escalation: From Gangs to Police Targets

The level of violence has reached a critical inflection point. While shootings were previously confined to rival gang members, criminals have now turned their sights on law enforcement. Recently, a police station was targeted by individuals on a scooter using what appeared to be an AK-47. This shift indicates a brazen disregard for authority and a significant escalation in the weaponry used by street-level criminals.

A Generation at Risk

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this crisis is the involvement of the youth. Police reports indicate that some individuals arrested in connection with these violent crimes are as young as 12 years old. These children are often recruited with the promise of a few hundred euros to carry out high-risk missions, such as shooting rivals in the leg or acting as lookouts. This creates a profound social crisis that extends far beyond simple law enforcement issues.

Did You Know?: The port of Antwerp, located just 40km from Brussels, is one of the primary entry points for cocaine into the European continent.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is drug violence increasing in Brussels?
The surge is driven by the high profitability of the drug trade and intense competition between organized gangs for control of lucrative street corners.

2. How is the Belgian government responding?
The Interior Minister has announced the deployment of 40 additional police officers to high-risk areas to increase presence and deterrence.