No less than 76 vehicles were inspected during a large-scale traffic enforcement operation conducted at the Border Inspection Post in the Port of Zeebrugge on Monday, 22 June 2026. The operation was organized by Customs (DA OPS Control 2 Zeebrugge) in close cooperation with several national and international partners. The Coast Guard was also present to closely observe the operational activities.
Focus on Smuggling and Security
The primary objective of the operation was to detect the smuggling of excise goods such as tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, and red diesel fuel. Special attention was also paid to potential drug trafficking and other illegal activities within the port area.
Vehicles entering or leaving the port were safely removed from traffic and escorted to an inspection area. There, they were subjected to thorough checks, including:
- verification of shipping and vehicle documentation
- inspection of cargo and occupants
- alcohol and drug testing by the Marine and River Police
- scanning of trucks
- targeted searches for contraband
- where necessary, a comprehensive vehicle inspection (“car search”)
Multidisciplinary Cooperation
The operation highlighted the importance of cooperation between different services. In addition to Customs, the following agencies participated:
- Marine and River Police (alcohol and drug testing, access to databases)
- Bruges Local Police (support during vehicle interception)
- National Employment Office (RVA) and National Social Security Office (RSZ) (social inspections)
- VLABEL (tax and fiscal inspections)
- Frontex (international support within the framework of Joint Operation “White Sea”)
The interception teams, consisting of motorcycle officers and unmarked vehicles, played a crucial role in selecting and safely escorting vehicles to the inspection site.
During the briefing, all participating services coordinated their communication, safety procedures, and task allocation. Clear communication via the ASTRID network was essential to ensure smooth and safe cooperation in the field.
Safety as a Priority
Safety and risk management were central to the operation. Particular attention was paid to potential risks such as:
- aggression or attempts to flee by drivers
- the presence of weapons or narcotics
- traffic accidents in and around the operational area
All personnel were equipped with appropriate intervention clothing and protective equipment. A clear intervention plan was also in place for incidents or pursuits.
Continued Commitment Against Fraud and Smuggling
Operations such as this demonstrate the importance of targeted inspections in strategic areas such as the Port of Zeebrugge. Through the deployment of specialised teams and intensive cooperation between services, authorities actively contribute to combating smuggling, fraud, and other forms of organised crime.
