Context
As a major centre of international and European trade, Belgium handles hundreds of millions of tonnes of goods every year through its ports and airports. The port of Antwerp alone, the second largest in Europe, processed more than 287 million tonnes of cargo last year. Customs plays a vital role in this context, by safeguarding society from prohibited or dangerous goods that may be hidden among the legitimate ones. Drugs are the top concern among these goods, as Belgium has the highest record of drug seizures in the world. This poses a serious threat to public health and fuels criminal organisations, which cause violence in many European cities. However, despite the efforts of Customs, only a small percentage of the drugs that enter the port of Antwerp are detected (some estimates say 10 per cent).
Objectives
The ‘Tech Force Against Drugs’ project was established with the objective of significantly enhancing the detection and interdiction of illegal narcotics transiting through Belgian ports and airports. To achieve this, it is clear that Customs cannot hold and control all goods, because it would require considerable resources and would be contrary to the mission of facilitating legitimate trade. Therefore, this initiative uses technology to improve the process of screening and detection. Although this project is primarily aimed at stopping drugs, it may also impact the traffic of other dangerous or prohibited goods, and verify compliance between the goods declared and the goods actually imported.
Implementation
The project is a multifaceted endeavour with a phased approach. Initially targeting containers from South America, a known cocaine source region, the project aims to scan all incoming containers (approximately 330 000 annually) in the medium term. The project’s foundation rests on several pillars. International cooperation is key, with Memorandums of Understanding signed with South American nations to facilitate real-time image exchange. Additionally, smart seals are being tested to monitor containers throughout their journey. Non-intrusive detection methods are prioritised, including the gradual introduction of ‘electronic noses’ (eNose) for rapid container screening during unloading. Existing camera systems within the port will continue to provide surveillance.
To expedite scanning and minimise trade disruption, five mobile scanners were deployed at key Antwerp terminals in December 2023. These scanners integrate seamlessly with existing logistics flows, positioned close to unloading areas instead of centralised scanning facilities. Furthermore, an IT platform established in December 2023 captures, analyses and stores scan images and associated data to fuel the development of artificial intelligence (AI) for improved detection capabilities. Existing AI models are already being utilised to expedite identification of containers harbouring drugs or other contraband.
Securing initial funding of €70 million from the Belgian government, the project also benefitted from European contributions for scanner acquisition.