These are incidents in which explosives were used to intentionally cause damage, but not necessarily acts related to drug trafficking. However, an analysis of press articles carried out by the Flemish Peace Institute showed that the number of attacks directly linked to the drug scene had also reached unprecedented levels. In 2023, 39 attacks were recorded, compared to 12 in 2021. In total, between January 2017 and July 2024, 118 attacks were carried out, including no less than 99 (84%) in Antwerp.
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The institute also notes the evolution of the type of explosives used. The hand grenades used in 2019 and 2020 have given way to large-format Cobra-type firecrackers, the sale of which is banned in Belgium, and homemade incendiary bombs. The grenades used previously came from stockpiles of weapons dating from the Yugoslav wars and circulated in criminal circles. But as this source dried up, illegal firecrackers and fireworks became more popular. Easily available (online), they would also be easier to use by young traffickers. The Peace Institute points out that unlike hand grenades, which project metal shrapnel, fireworks pose a less immediate risk of injury.
The full report was presented to the Flemish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of National Drugs Commissioner Ine Van Wymersch and Federal Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD).
