Antwerp (Eurotoday) – An explosive device was found on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Merksem, Antwerp, near Oostkaai. DOVO safely exploded it in Ekeren. Police suspect links to drug crime. Spokesperson: Wouter Bruyns.
As VRT News reported, on Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, there was a serious safety alert in Merksem, a northern part of Antwerp. A suspicious package was found on the street near the Oostkaai industrial estate. A passerby saw the object and told the police. The local police came right away and also called in DOVO, the Belgian army’s bomb squad.
The police set up a security zone around the area and told several nearby businesses to evacuate. The place was closed off while the bomb experts looked at the package to see if it was dangerous. People were very worried because the area has many warehouses and businesses, and if the package had exploded there, it could have caused serious injuries or damage.
What link does the Merksem bomb near Oostkaai have to drug crime?
Wouter Bruyns from the Antwerp police said the package was a real explosive. The bomb squad took it away and blew it up in Oude Landen in Ekeren, a quiet area in the north of the city. Bruyns said there is no risk for people because the place is far from homes.
The explosion was very big. He said it was lucky the bomb did not go off at the industrial area. It could have caused a lot of damage. To stop people nearby from getting scared by the loud noise, the police also send a BE-Alert message. This is a warning system in Belgium that tells people living close to the explosion site what is happening before it takes place.
The police are now trying to find out who left the bomb there and why. No one knows for sure yet. But Antwerp has had more problems with drug gangs and violence in recent years. Some people think the bomb might be linked to that.
The store has been closed by the court for months because of an investigation. Police believe it may be linked to money laundering connected to the drug trade. The investigation is still going on. Detectives are checking if this was a one-time act or part of more drug-related violence.
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