How Belgium Became The Cocaine Capital Of The World

Belgium, a country known for its delectable chocolate and world-renowned beer, has found itself in the midst of a global drug war. Once considered a peaceful and somewhat "boring" place, Belgium has experienced a surge in extreme violence and has now become Europe's new cocaine capital. Despite its small size, Belgium has witnessed a significant increase in drug trafficking activity, with large seizures of cocaine becoming more common.

The Lucrative European Market for Cocaine

Within Europe, the market for cocaine has become highly profitable for global drug gangs. Astonishingly, Albania has the highest rate of cocaine users per capita in Europe, followed closely by England and Wales, even surpassing the United States. Given this demand for cocaine, the South American drug traffickers have shifted their focus from exporting to the US and now prioritize Europe as their primary destination.

Antwerp's Staggering Seizures

Antwerp, Belgium's largest city and Europe's second-largest port, has been at the center of the cocaine surge. In 2020, a staggering 40% of cocaine seizures in the entire European Union took place in Antwerp. The authorities intercepted a record-breaking 11.5 tons of cocaine in a single seizure, marking one of the largest drug busts in the history of the global drug war. Multiple-ton seizures have become the new norm in Belgium, surprising many who never anticipated such a level of drug activity.

Billions in Profits and Low Detection Rates

While the authorities have managed to seize significant amounts of cocaine, the traffickers can afford to lose billions of dollars' worth of drugs because the majority of their shipments go undetected. The cost of coca leaves used to produce cocaine is relatively inexpensive, and even the refining process is done cheaply by impoverished workers hidden in forests. However, once the cocaine reaches European shores, its value skyrockets, leading to exorbitant street prices. European authorities estimate that they only seize approximately 10% of the cocaine that enters Europe, further highlighting the immense profits available to the cartels.

The Battle Against Drug Trafficking

Belgium's ascent as Europe's cocaine capital has caught the authorities off guard. The country has become a prime target for South American drug traffickers, resulting in shootouts, grenade attacks, and brutal violence. Belgian authorities, in collaboration with their European counterparts, face the daunting task of combating this surge in drug trafficking. While law enforcement efforts have led to significant seizures, the lucrative nature of the European cocaine market ensures that the cartels will continue their operations.

Europe's Role in Drug Trafficking

The involvement of European countries, especially Belgium, in drug trafficking operations carried out by South American cartels is a growing concern. The cartels take advantage of Europe's efficient logistics infrastructure and large ports, such as Antwerp and Rotterdam, to smuggle drugs, particularly cocaine, into the continent. European authorities are unable to thoroughly inspect every container, allowing the cartels to hide drugs within them.

The traffickers' confidence stems from the fact that only a fraction of containers are inspected, making it a matter of luck whether their shipment will be scrutinized. Moreover, European transportation companies offer fast delivery times, making them desirable for drug smuggling operations. Additionally, Europe is a reliable market for South American traffickers, who find it more profitable than the United States due to extradition laws and stricter container checks.

The Rise of Balkan Gangs

Another reason South American cartels prefer dealing with Europe is the emergence of violent gangs from Balkan states, such as Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia. These gangs, accustomed to extreme violence from their war-torn past, have spread throughout the UK and become major players in drug trafficking. Unlike traditional criminal organizations, these gangs have no moral code and resort to extreme violence, including torture and murder, to maintain control. Their ruthlessness and reliability have made them valuable partners for South American cartels.

The influence of Balkan mafias extends beyond drug trafficking. They have established partnerships in South America, creating new drug routes and expanding their operations across Europe. Belgium, in particular, has witnessed a rise in violence and criminal activities, leading some officials to label it a "narco-state." The transformation has attracted attention and raised concerns about the extent of drug-related activities in the country.

The Story of an Albanian Drug Kingpin

The book "Drug War - A Secret History" delves further into the vulnerabilities and corruption within the system that allows drug trafficking to continue. The story of Dritan Rexhepi, an Albanian drug kingpin, is highlighted. Rexhepi has managed to create a vast cocaine pipeline from South America to Europe, evading capture multiple times and operating with impunity due to the officials he has in his pocket. His case exemplifies the power and size of drug cartels, who can easily replace their leaders if they are taken down.

The Failed War on Drugs

Despite claims by authorities that they are intensifying their efforts, the book argues that the drug war has been a monumental failure. The trade continues to thrive, with a greater availability of purer and cheaper drugs. This failed war on drugs costs hundreds of billions of dollars each year, and critics argue that it may be the biggest failure in the history of humankind. However, dismantling the drug war would have significant consequences, as it employs millions of people in various industries, such as law enforcement, courts, prisons, and those involved in the production of prison and police-related goods.

In conclusion, Belgium's transformation into a global drug war hotspot is a stark contrast to its previous reputation as a peaceful and uneventful country. The rise of Europe's cocaine capital is fueled by the high demand for the drug, creating immense profits for traffickers. Despite law enforcement's efforts, the majority of cocaine shipments still make it through, allowing the cartels to continue their operations. The authorities face an ongoing battle to combat the violence and drug trafficking plaguing Belgium and Europe as a whole.

The book "Drug War - A Secret History" sheds light on the inefficiencies and corruption within the European drug war, pointing out that authorities have been largely ineffective in reducing the availability of drugs on the streets. The lucrative nature of the drug trade, combined with corrupt officials and systemic vulnerabilities, ensures that drug trafficking continues to flourish despite efforts to combat it.