15 Jan. () –
The authorities of Belgium and the Netherlands have agreed to intensify the fight against drug trafficking in a coordinated manner given the increase in smuggling in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
The measure was announced this Sunday by the Dutch Secretary of State for Customs, Aukje de Vries, in which they affirm that the customs authorities of both countries have the objective of exchanging information and cooperating more closely in the ports of Antwerp and Rottderam. , one of the main entry points for cocaine in Europe.
The authorities have communicated the decision during the joint presentation of drug seizures made last year in both ports.
According to the latest figures, the total number of kilograms of drugs seized, mainly cocaine from South America, in the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam has increased again compared to the previous year.
Antwerp has made a total of 150 catches and the number of kilos increased from 90,000 to 110,000, the largest amount intercepted to date. On the other hand, in Rotterdam, the number of drug seizures, more than 160, has remained practically the same as the previous year while the number of kilograms has fallen to more than 50,000 kilos of cocaine.
According to the statement, the authorities of both countries have already coordinated with their counterparts in Latin America to curb drug trafficking.
