Drug Violence Surges by 30%: Deurne Explosion Highlights Antwerp’s Escalating Crisis

Antwerp (Eurotoday Newspaper): Last night, an explosion in Deurne damaged a home, possibly linked to drug violence, which has risen nearly 30% in Antwerp this year. Journalist Caroline Van den Berghe reports that drugs are coming through the port, causing gang wars and violence. Brussels also saw a record 74 drug-related shootings this year.

Last night on 21 November, an explosion shocked residents of Ruimtevaartlaan in Deurne and damaged the front door and windows of a home. It has been said that this incident may be linked to drug violence, as one resident has a history of drug dealing. A similar explosion occurred in Ranst last week, and earlier this month, the police responded to two consecutive nights of explosions in Deurne and Borgerhout.

How is Antwerp addressing the 30% surge in drug-related crimes?

New police data shows that drug-related crimes in Antwerp are at a record high. There is almost a 30 percent increase compared to last year, with no signs of a decline. This includes visible violence like explosions and shootings, as well as hidden violence such as kidnappings and threats. Last year’s report already noted a rise in this hidden violence.

According to journalist blank” rel=”noopener”>Caroline Van den Berghe, drugs are coming into Antwerp through the port, leading to gang wars and street violence. She notes that many investigations, like the major SKY ECC heist, have disrupted the drug trade. Brussels is also noting more drug-related violence, with police reporting a record 74 shootings this year, most of which are connected to drugs.


Comments

3 responses to “Drug Violence Surges by 30%: Deurne Explosion Highlights Antwerp’s Escalating Crisis”

  1. Well, isn’t Antwerp just a charming little war zone? Nothing like a 30% spike in drug violence and a few explosions to spice up the evening commute! 💥🕵️‍♂️

  2. Tangerine Avatar

    Well, who needs a quiet evening in Antwerp when you can enjoy the delightful sound of explosions? 🎆 It’s like living in a grand action movie—just without the popcorn and a decent plot! 🍿💥

  3. Star Jammer Avatar
    Star Jammer

    Well, isn’t this just fantastic? Antwerp’s turning into a real-life action movie set, complete with explosions and gang wars—who needs Hollywood when you have Deurne? 🎬💥 Seriously, I suppose our city council missed the memo on ‘keeping it safe,’ eh? 😂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Iran, Zölle, Europa: Trumps Rede zur Lage der Nation

Iran, Zölle, Europa: Trumps Rede zur Lage der Nation

I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that request.

Read More

Unlike von der Leyen, Alain Berset Appoints Envoy to Defend Europe’s Religious Minorities

Unlike von der Leyen, Alain Berset Appoints Envoy to Defend Europe’s Religious Minorities

Council of Europe move targets antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and wider religious intolerance
As hate incidents and polarisation increase across borders, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has linked the protection of religious minorities to the organisation’s core post-war promise of “never again” and its ongoing work on anti-discrimination and democratic resilience. The approa

Read More

Trump Gets His Irish Ballroom — If He Can Save a Snail

Trump Gets His Irish Ballroom — If He Can Save a Snail

During Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s visit to Trump last year, the U.S. leader expressed frustration over construction challenges at his Irish resort, wrongly blaming Brussels instead of Dublin.
Next month, Trump is expected to offer praise to Martin for the approval of the Irish ballroom.
Martin’s spokesperson welcomed the decision but emphasized it was a local issue for Clare co

Read More

Ukraine: $588 Billion Recovery Cost Projected Over Next 10 Years

Ukraine: $588 Billion Recovery Cost Projected Over Next 10 Years

The updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5) was issued on Monday by the Government, World Bank Group, European Commission, and United Nations.
As the Russian invasion enters its fifth year on February 24, direct damage has reached over $195 billion, up from $176 billion reported last February.
“This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to

Read More

EU pledges €1B to rebuild Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure

EU pledges €1B to rebuild Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure

“The European Union will not allow Russia to force our courageous Ukrainian friends into submission through cold. Instead, we are increasing our support to ensure the lights stay on,” stated Jørgensen.
He mentioned that the €920 million would be allocated to “strengthen grids, restore damaged heat and power plants, improve physical protection, and enhance decentralized electricit

Read More

UN Human Rights Council Begins 2026 Session in Geneva

UN Human Rights Council Begins 2026 Session in Geneva

Global Human Rights Agenda Mapped at the 61st Regular Session
The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) is holding its sixty-first regular session in Geneva from 23 February to 31 March 2026. This session gathers ministers and senior officials during a high-level segment (23–25 February) and features weeks of country debates, expert dialogues, and mandate and resolution votes. Major discussi

Read More

South Sudan Conflict Displaces Nearly 280,000; UN Warns of ‘Perfect Storm’

South Sudan Conflict Displaces Nearly 280,000; UN Warns of ‘Perfect Storm’

The escalation of conflict is increasing risks for civilians and aid workers, with three humanitarian staff members killed between 7 and 16 February in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, as reported by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Access to some severely affected areas remains limited despite renewed promises from authorities to facilitate relief efforts.
Las

Read More

Russia Initiates Terror Investigation into Telegram Chief Pavel Durov

Russia Initiates Terror Investigation into Telegram Chief Pavel Durov

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov increased pressure by telling reporters on Tuesday that authorities noted “a large number of violations” and Telegram’s “unwillingness … to cooperate.”
The investigation represents the latest episode in Moscow’s long-standing conflict with Durov. In 2018, Russia attempted to block Telegram after the company refused to provide encryption keys—a ban that ulti

Read More

Tahnoon bin Zayed and the Regional Stability Strategy

Tahnoon bin Zayed and the Regional Stability Strategy

The meeting between Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates, and Hazem Al-Sharaa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Economic Development of Syria, goes beyond typical diplomacy. Official statements indicate they reviewed UAE-Syria relations and discussed Syria’s economic changes amidst regional and global shifts.
In the evolving Midd

Read More

UK Unveils Largest Sanctions Package Against Russia Since Full-Scale Invasion Began

UK Unveils Largest Sanctions Package Against Russia Since Full-Scale Invasion Began

Britain is targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, which consists of oil tankers used to circumvent sanctions. These vessels have been tracked, intercepted, and boarded by the U.K. and its allies. The U.K. is imposing sanctions on 48 vessels and 175 companies within Russia’s “2Rivers” illicit oil network. The U.K. Foreign Office stated this action sends a clear message that Russian oil is not available o

Read More