Brussels sees over 65 shootings this year amid rising drug gang violence

Brussels has seen a sharp rise in violent incidents this year, with police reports indicating more than 65 shootings in the capital alone. The uptick comes amid a broader surge in drug‑related crime, according to the Belgian Federal Police, which has noted a significant increase in the sale and trafficking of hard drugs across the city’s neighborhoods. Authorities say that the majority of the shootings are linked to turf disputes and disputes over drug distribution.

The Belgian Interior Ministry has responded by deploying additional officers to high‑risk districts and has intensified cooperation with the European Union’s drug‑control agencies. Data from the last twelve months shows a 20 % rise in drug‑related arrests compared to the previous year, and the police have identified several new criminal networks operating in the city’s outskirts. Brussels’ mayor has called for a coordinated effort between law enforcement, social services, and community groups to address the root causes of the violence.

City officials warn that the trend could continue if the underlying issues of drug availability and economic disparity are not tackled. They emphasize that the current measures are aimed at reducing both the supply of illicit substances and the violence that accompanies them, with the goal of restoring safety and stability to Brussels’ residents.