U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the port of Antwerp on Wednesday to pledge American support in helping Belgium fight drug cartels and narcotics trafficking. The meeting came as Belgium faces a growing crisis with drug-related violence and record cocaine seizures at its major ports.
Noem met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever at the port, which has become one of Europe’s main entry points for illegal drugs. The two officials discussed ways to boost cooperation between their countries in the war against drug trafficking. Belgium seized a record 121 metric tons of cocaine at Antwerp in 2023, according to police statistics.
