Belgium's new security chief starts crusade against Brussels drug crime – politico

Quintin is aware of the political mining field and says it is all the more reason to act quickly: he plans to send his proposal to parliament on the Belgian national holiday, July 21, and to merge the police forces in 2027.

Brussels is the only large Belgian city that has several police forces, and the minister says that “anomaly” has to be corrected. “The coordination problem that arises every time something happens in Brussels would no longer appear.”

In an obvious alluding to the concerns of the mayors, the minister underlined the need for the police in Brussels to be embedded 'different communities. He also checks the financing of police zones and has proposed to transfer part of their debts at federal level.

“Consultation is in my DNA,” said Quintin. “After my career, it would be a shame if nothing had been held.”

Educate, explain, prevent and punish

The drug trade must be fought in the entire value chain, added the minister, from the people who produce and transport drugs often from far beyond the Belgian borders beyond the sellers and users.

“I am exaggerated, of course, but at the moment we are almost in a situation in which a man comes in, unfolds his small chair and sets up his small table and parasol,” he said.