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Federal Police Report: Drug-Related Offences Dominate Sentences in 2023

Introduction

The Federal Judicial Authorities and the Federal Judicial Police (PJF/FGP) have released their annual report, revealing that drug-related offences accounted for nearly half of all convictions in 2023. According to the data, 45% of sentences pronounced last year were related to drug crimes, with a total of 2,130 years of prison time handed down.

Transversal and International Approach to Organized Crime

The Federal Police has been at the forefront of tackling organized crime through a comprehensive and international approach. This includes collaboration with other countries, Europol, INTERPOL, and administrative authorities to combat cocaine trafficking, drug smuggling networks, and itinerant gangs of thieves.

  • Antwerp’s Port Security Corps was established within the Maritime and River Police (SPN) to combat drug trafficking in the port.
  • The Federal Highway Police (DAH) organized regular international police operations targeting drug smuggling networks.
  • The district information and expertise centre (ARIEC/CIEAR) plays a key role in combating security phenomena through proactive administrative approaches with administrative authorities and socio-economic inspection services.

Searches and Identifications

In 2023, the Federal Police’s Wanted Notices service distributed 369 notices to the media, resulting in 70% of cases being resolved. The Search and Information Bulletin (BRI/RIB) was developed for all units of the Integrated Police, leading to the identification of 647 perpetrators and resolution of 393 judicial cases.

  • Operation ‘Kerkhof’, launched by the Missing Persons Unit of the Federal Police, aimed at identifying anonymously buried people.
  • The international operation Identify Me, coordinated by INTERPOL, led to the clarification of a 31-year-old cold case in Antwerp.

Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST)

In 2023, FAST opened 194 Belgian files and 44 international files, resulting in 44 arrests. A new Most Wanted was published, which was resolved within 72 hours thanks to outstanding cooperation with the Local Police (Brussels-Midi unit).

Conclusion

The Federal Police’s commitment to combating organized crime and finding missing persons has led to significant results in 2023. The agency’s efforts will continue to focus on international cooperation, intelligence gathering, and proactive approaches to tackle these complex security challenges.