The Brussels public prosecutor's office plans to introduce on-the-spot fines for anybody found with recreational drugs in the Belgian and Flemish capital. Anyone who refuses to pay, risks having their mobile phone or car confiscated. Recreational drug users, people who occasionally use or buy drugs on the street, are perpetuating the supply, fresh research shows.
The new guidelines are contained in a circular the Brussels public prosecutor's office has sent to all six Brussels police zones, the railway police and the traffic police. Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil has asked for the mandatory use of the IAS procedure (IAS stands for immediate amicable settlement) by all officers.
The Brussels public prosecutor's office writes: ‘Recreational drug users will be punished with a fine that varies according to the quantity and type of drugs. It is clear that hotspots and drug trafficking can only exist because of the presence of demand. This demand must be combated by applying the law with force.’
The problem of drug-related violence in the capital remains very serious. This year, there were almost 100 shootings, resulting in 8 deaths and more than 40 injuries.
Order drugs on Snapchat and risk getting your mobile seized
Anyone caught in the act will therefore have to pay an on-the-spot fine to prevent prosecution. This immediate amicable settlement is being used more and more in Brussels since the beginning of this year. Fines range from 75 to 500 euros. Anyone who refuses to pay may be subject to legal proceedings.
‘If a drug user has ordered drugs with his phone using the Snapchat app, the police can confiscate his phone and conduct further investigations. Similarly, if, at a drive-through hotspot, a suspect uses his vehicle to have drugs delivered and then drives away, and is transporting the drugs in his vehicle, then the vehicle can be confiscated,’ the public prosecutor's office statement reads.
No 'one size fits all'
The Brussels public prosecutor's office distinguishes between recreational users and drug users with serious psychosocial problems who require medical and social follow-up. The latter group requires a different approach. Moinil wants a drug follow-up centre set up for them.
The public prosecutor has made a tougher stand on drugs in Brussels his top priority. In addition to drug gangs and drug criminals, he is also eyeing users who ensure the supply is maintained.