Police and the prosecutor's office have given more explanation about Wednesday’s large-scale operation at the Peterbos social housing estate in Anderlecht (Brussels). 900 officers were involved. "The operation was not intended to arrest many people, but to secure the neighborhood." 411 people were checked. A total of 29 people were arrested.
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29 people arrested after massive police operation at Peterbos housing estate in Anderlecht
Colin Clapson
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"Yesterday's action was not a solution, but a part of a puzzle. We can only take stock when all the points in the plan have been implemented." That’s the summary of yesterday’s major police operation involving 900 officers made during a press conference today attended by police, prosecutors and politicians. Proscutor Julien Moinil asked not to minimise the results.
Peterbos was hermetically sealed off for a few hours: “all 18 blocks with 1,500 housing units,” specified Jurgen De Landsheer, the chief of police of the Brussels-South zone. "At that time, 271 apartments were empty. These are used to hide equipment and people. It is a conduit for drugs, human trafficking and weapons."
A total of 411 people and 117 vehicles were checked. The result: 4 people face serious charges, while 19 others were detained for more minor offences. The police were also able to stop 2 people who were wanted. 4 persons doing undeclared work were also stopped. Drugs and one weapon were also seized.
Police say the vacant apartments will now be “frozen,” to make sure the whole process doesn't just start again tomorrow. “Some will be closed off; others will be used to accommodate people on a housing waiting list.”