Shootings surge as drug gangs torment Brussels

Last Monday, drug gangs transformed Salvatore's pizzeria in Brussels into a crime scene. Murielle, a 70-year-old resident, recounted the harrowing experience of hiding under tables while clients and children were present. The restaurant is located in the central St Gilles neighborhood, near the international Midi train station. Shootings linked to drug trafficking have become frequent in Brussels over the past couple of years, with over 100 incidents in 2025 alone and more than 65 so far this year. This was the third shooting in the area within three days.

Salvatore expressed his dismay, questioning if they were in an American gangster movie. Murielle, who hopes peace returns to her street, recalled how drug dealers used to be polite and would accommodate her requests. However, things have changed significantly in the past six months. Crack is widely consumed among the poorest residents, and drug dealing occurs in plain sight. A successful drug-dealing spot in Brussels can generate up to €50,000 ($58,000; £43,000) per day or more for the dealer.

Organized crime in Brussels has become significantly more violent, according to the chief of Brussels South Police, Jurgen de Landsheer. There are over 200 drug-dealing points across the city. The rise of drug-related violence echoes the situation in other European cities like Marseille, where cocaine is widely available due to the continent's ports serving as entry points. The port of Antwerp, just 40km (25 miles) away, has seen record cocaine seizures in recent years.

Recently, a police station in Brussels came under attack, with CCTV footage showing two men shooting at the door with an AK-47. This marks an escalation, as it is the first time criminals have targeted police. Usually, shootings involve rival gangs. De Landsheer noted that police apprehend young individuals as young as 12, who are paid a few hundred euros for their roles, often involving shooting people in the leg or attempting to kill. The biggest danger is stray bullets.

To combat the crisis, Belgian authorities announced an additional 40 police officers would be deployed in the problematic area. However, de Landsheer emphasized that there is no magic solution; prevention is more crucial than repression. The community needs to provide young people with a future and engage them in positive activities.

In St Gilles, residents are concerned about the spike in violence, which has led some to contemplate moving out, fearing a decline in property values. Murielle, despite her hope for improvement, believes that the worst may not be over yet.