Brussels police check more than 1,130 people and 272 vehicles in major drug-violence operation

More than 600 people took part in a large police operation across Brussels, including about 450 officers from the federal police and the capital’s six police zones.

The operation checked 1,133 people, 272 vehicles and 18 businesses. Authorities recorded 41 judicial arrests and 19 administrative arrests, while issuing 120 immediate settlements for drug possession.

Police also seized 11 weapons, 0.53 kilograms of drugs, 9,410 euros in cash, six vehicles and 62,160 cigarettes. They drew up 81 official reports, including 33 for traffic violations and 17 for illegal residence.

The FIPA, or Full Integrated Police Action, formed part of the Plan for Major Cities, which targets urban crime, particularly drug-related violence. Checks took place at Brussels railway stations, across the STIB public transport network and at locations identified as hotspots for drugs and weapons.

The operation followed a series of recent shootings, mainly in Saint-Gilles and also in Anderlecht and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin’s office and the federal police said the action had been planned well in advance rather than organized in response to those incidents. More than 60 soldiers participated for the first time, alongside public transport security staff, Securail, the Immigration Office and the Brussels prosecutor’s office.