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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

Tomorrowland: 403 festival-goers caught with drugs, 32 dealers arrested

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Belgian authorities arrested 403 festival-goers for drug possession at Tomorrowland, issuing fines totaling over 104,000 euros.
  • Thirty-two individuals were arrested for drug dealing and face court proceedings in November.
  • Mobile labs tested seized drugs, identifying high doses of MDMA, pink powders, and methamphetamine.

Belgian authorities reported a significant crackdown on drug offenses at the Tomorrowland festival, with 403 attendees caught possessing drugs. These individuals faced immediate fines, totaling 104,100 euros, and had their festival access revoked. The seized substances were promptly tested on-site by a mobile laboratory from the National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC).

Festivalgoers caught with a user quantity of drugs were offered an immediate amicable settlement.

— Prosecutor's OfficeExplaining the penalties for drug possession.

In addition to drug possession, 32 people were arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs. These individuals have been summoned to appear in court on November 25 for a special session dedicated to Tomorrowland-related cases. Among those arrested for dealing was a Dutch national previously convicted for drug offenses at the festival in 2024.

The NICC's mobile lab analyzed 1,004 samples over the two weekends, with MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine being the most frequently detected substances. The lab also noted discrepancies between what users reported possessing and the actual analysis, suggesting users may not know what they are buying or that dealers are selling incorrect products.

The police also arrested 32 people for dealing drugs. They received a direct summons from the prosecutor's office for the Tomorrowland-themed court session on November 25.

— Prosecutor's OfficeDetailing the charges and court dates for drug dealers.

Beyond drug-related arrests, police also apprehended 14 pickpockets during the festival. These thieves primarily targeted luxury watches, handbags, backpacks, and wallets, with seven suspects arrested near the VIP area on Friday evening.

This can mean that users do not fully know what they are buying or that dealers are selling wrong products.

— Prosecutor's OfficeCommenting on the discrepancies found in drug analysis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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