Belgian authorities have seized a record 121 metric tons of cocaine at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in 2023. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year, indicating a significant growth in the volume of cocaine moving through Europe's second-largest port. The seizures underscore Belgium's prominent position in Europe's drug trade, with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges being a central hub for illicit narcotics. The rise in cocaine traffic through the port has global implications, reflecting shifting patterns in drug consumption. According to UN estimates, Latin America and the Caribbean now have as many cocaine users as Europe, each accounting for approximately 25% of the world total.
The old saying that "Rich countries are to blame for drug demand" isn't as true anymore. There are now as many cocaine users in Latin America & the Caribbean as in Europe, according to UN estimates -- each are about 25% of the world total https://t.co/YyfGG1LStP
Record cocaine shipments seized in Europe’s 2nd-largest port https://t.co/jaOdNs6WpV via @maxramsay https://t.co/076cNAp57R
Antwerp drugs: Record seizures at Europe’s ‘cocaine capital’ port #globalrisk https://t.co/ySK0iFzNcD
Record cocaine seizures unveiled at key European port https://t.co/oICi73G6Xt https://t.co/DZY67c8NDw
Belgian authorities seize a record 121 metric tons of cocaine at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year, highlighting the country’s outsize role in Europe’s drug market https://t.co/gyBVpu9ybt