426 police officers check every highway in West Flanders: “Action against burglars, people smugglers and drug dealers” | Bruges

The police force participating in the action throughout West Flanders is almost unseen: 426 units, including 236 people from the local police zones, 101 federal police officers and 89 aspirants from the West Flemish police school. Customs, the Flemish Tax Authorities and the Immigration Department were also present. Every suspected vehicle was pulled over.

“This action is primarily aimed at itinerant gangs of burglars. They often operate near motorways in order to get away quickly. Especially at this time of the year, with the short dark days, the phenomenon is emerging,” said the minister during the campaign. “But there is also extra attention for people smuggling. The presence of, for example, inflatable boats and life jackets in vehicles during this period is abnormal,” said the minister.

The police could count on assistance from a helicopter, drones, number plate recognition cameras and sniffer dogs. For example, the group of invitees, as well as the entire press, got to see how a sniffer dog meticulously searched certain suspicious vehicles. “The dog is not only trained to detect drugs, but also cash. In this way, drug dealers do not escape the dance,” adds Verlinden. Logically, the police also paid attention to administrative violations, technical requirements, drug use and alcohol.

Chief Commissioner Didier Vandecasteele of the Coordination and Support Service of the West Flanders federal police, on the other hand, found it positive that the West Flemish police academy was involved. “For example, the campaign was scaled up considerably and the aspiring inspectors, chief inspectors and commissioners immediately learn the tricks of the trade.” Large catches were not made in the presence of the ministers. Incidentally, a similar action took place in East Flanders, involving 150 police officers. The results of the full action will be announced on Sunday.