Over the past 3 months more than 130 people have been arrested in the course of several police operations in the Halle Gate district of central Brussels. Police seized one military gun, 2.7 kilograms of drugs and more than 93,000 euros in cash. "Cooperation between various Brussels municipalities and police zones in the fight against crime and drug-trafficking is bearing fruit," says Mayor of the City of Brussels, Philippe Close (Francophone socialist/PS).
"Since 1 April 2024, the police zones of the City of Brussels/Elsene and Brussels South have been staging a joint security operation at Halle Gate and its surroundings including at the Hallepoort metro station. The aim is to curb crime and nuisance that cause a great sense of insecurity among local residents and people using the neighbourhood," says Yasmina Vanoverschelde of the Brussels public prosecutor's office.
The operation is a response to the many incidents in and around Halle Gate Park involving drug use and the sale of drugs, brawls and thefts, as well as pedestrians being repeatedly harassed by homeless people.
The police seized 2.7 kilograms of drugs in the course of numerous checks between 1 April and mid-June, as well as 7 small arms and a military weapon. A total of 131 suspects were detained in the course of various operations. This led to 46 dossiers being opened by the Brussels prosecutor's office and the arrest of 36 people. "These are people suspected of offences including insulting police officers and resisting arrest, unlawful detention, threats, attempted manslaughter and attempted murder, violent theft, money laundering and possession and sale of narcotics," the prosecutor's office says. A further 14 minors were also detained, five of whom had to appear before juvenile magistrates.
"Cooperation between various Brussels municipalities and police zones in the fight against crime and drug-trafficking is bearing fruit," says Mayor of the City of Brussels, Philippe Close. "We are persevering and continue to see concrete results, on the ground, thanks to the work of our police officers, who are doing an impeccable job."
Operations continue
Saint-Gillis Mayor Jean Spinette (Francophone socialist/PS) is also satisfied with the security operation. "These operations by our two police zones in the Halle Gate area came about as a result of joint work with Philippe Close. They provide real added value in combating drug-dealing on the streets. Our police zones are still looking at better ways of combating this phenomenon in a way that is as efficient as possible. Brussels police’s South zone Summer Plan has been in force for a couple of days now, allowing an increased police presence in the neighbourhood."
Police and prosecutors stress that operations at Halle Gate will continue in the coming weeks.