Belgium’s Cannabis Trade: A Complex Web of Domestic and International Players

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Belgium has become a significant player in the global cannabis trade, with a growing concern among authorities about the increasing role of organized crime in the industry. The country’s proximity to other major drug trafficking routes makes it an attractive hub for international criminal networks.

Domestic Cannabis Trade

Professional cultivation of cannabis is expanding in Belgium, with some involvement from criminal organizations. While the majority of the cannabis produced in Belgium is intended for the domestic market, a significant portion is also trafficked to other countries.

International Players

The Netherlands plays a significant role in the Belgian cannabis market, with Dutch groups involved in drug trafficking, cannabis production, import and export, cocaine production and export, as well as synthetic drugs. Other international players include:

• Albanian and Italian mafia-style groups, active in the country’s drug trade
• Turkish actors linked to murder-for-hire against dissidents
• Romanian and Nigerian organized-crime groups involved in human trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation

“Loose” Crime Networks

In addition to these organized crime groups, “loose” crime networks are prevalent in Belgium, supporting drug trafficking, cultivation, and production. These networks often operate outside of traditional organized crime structures.

Biker Gangs

Biker gangs such as the Hells Angels, No Surrender, Diablo, MC Mongols, Satudarah MC, and Bandidos have also been linked to organized crime in Belgium.

Law Enforcement and Judiciary

Despite the challenges posed by organized crime, Belgium is considered a mature democracy with a strong commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. The country has signed and ratified several international conventions aimed at combating transnational organized crime and corruption.

Belgium’s law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to tackle organized crime, with a range of specialized units dedicated to specific crime markets. The country’s judiciary is also independent and guarantees due process in criminal trials.

Challenges

However, the country still faces challenges in addressing issues such as prison overcrowding and inadequate access to healthcare and sanitary facilities for inmates. Despite these challenges, Belgium has made significant progress in recent years, including taking steps to improve transparency in its financial sector and combat money laundering.

Civil Society and Media

Civil society plays an important role in Belgian social and political life, with organizations actively working to prevent human trafficking and other forms of organized crime. The country’s media is also highly respected for its independence and critical reporting on issues related to organized crime.