2023-11-09 14:56:46
The Minister of Justice, Paul Van Tigchelt, believes that the new security force at the port of Antwerp is a better solution for the fight once morest violence linked to the drug scene than the deployment of the army. “These people can, in addition to patrolling, arrest and check identities. The army does not have this skill,” he explained Thursday in a training center alongside Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden .
The training of security agents launched in May to strengthen the workforce of the Antwerp port security corps already has 61 recruits. In total, the federal police will have 70 security officers, expected to start in spring 2024, authorities said.
“Due to the increase in violence, we have decided to reinforce the maritime police with security officers. These can contribute to the arrest of more criminals and the interception of cargoes of drugs,” explained the Minister of the Interior.
The port security corps, created within the maritime police, is one of the federal measures taken with a view to combating crime linked to the drug sector. Currently, 50 security guards are assigned, but the goal is for them to be replaced by 70 new trained recruits.
The 70 agents will be assisted by seven inspectors, eight chief inspectors and a commissioner. The corps will patrol the area surrounding the port day and night and may also intervene when drug traffickers are reported.
The registration period closed with 400 candidates. In total, 61 have already been selected and have started the 6 to 7 month training. A final group will begin this training in December.
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