Belgium, Netherlands remain major exporters of synthetic drugs

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgium and the Netherlands continue to rank among the world's largest exporters of synthetic drugs, despite strengthened international cooperation and intensified national efforts to dismantle production sites, Belgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said.

Citing figures from the Interior Ministry, Dutch-language Belgian daily De Morgen reported that 19 drug labs were dismantled across Belgium during the first half of 2025 — an average of three per month. In 2024, security services shut down 33 such labs nationwide.

Although "closer cooperation with the Netherlands and Interpol is having an impact," Quintin was quoted as saying, "Belgium and the Netherlands themselves are still among the largest exporters of synthetic drugs."

According to the report, raw materials used in the production of synthetic drugs often originate from countries such as Poland, India, and China. However, increased collaboration with the Netherlands and international police agency Interpol is reportedly helping intercept these materials before they reach Belgian labs.

In the first six months of this year, Belgian authorities recorded 72 cocaine trafficking cases, amounting to 3,600 tons — most of which were destined for Antwerp, according to the report.

Belgium is stepping up its domestic response by investing in surveillance technology, expanding port security, and increasing the maritime police force in Antwerp from 200 to 300 officers.

Authorities are also considering establishing a national anonymous reporting center to complement existing regional initiatives in Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, and Limburg.

"The hunt for drug labs remains a priority for the security services," the interior minister said.