Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette has reacted sharply to the publication of a video of Brussels crime, dubbed a “drug supermarket”, which has caused a stir on social media. The video, although old, has gained renewed popularity thanks to the publication of former Belgian Migration Minister Theo Francken . The footage, filmed last year, shows people queuing for drugs on Place Jacques Francken in Brussels. Francken , who published the video, said it was necessary to regain control of the situation. However, the mayor of Saint-Gilles believes that this is just an attempt to worsen the image of Brussels before the municipal elections, focusing on problems that have already been resolved.
The reason for the mayor’s indignation
The scene at Place Jacques-Frank was filmed by Brussels artist David Crunelle , who stressed that his aim was to draw attention to the social problem of drug addiction and to help vulnerable people who are victims of drug trafficking. He expressed regret at how his video was used without context, which reinforced the negative perception of the criminal situation in this area of Brussels. Between April and July, a large-scale police operation cleared the square of drug dealers, and local residents organized a series of events to reclaim public spaces.
The main problems associated with the video:
- The video is dated June 2023 but was presented as current.
- Following the police operation, drug dealers left Place Jacques Frank.
- Local residents actively mobilized to regain control of the area.
- The video was used without the consent of the author, distorting its original meaning.
Despite the efforts of the authorities and the police, the drug problem in the Brussels crime scene remains relevant in some areas of the city. Mayor Spinette acknowledged the success of the police operations, but noted that the fight against the drug mafia continues. He also stressed that most of those arrested are vulnerable young people who are drawn into the drug trade due to difficult life circumstances. For many of them, it is a way of survival, although they are exposed to serious risks.
Fighting drug trafficking in Saint-Gilles
In response to renewed criticism, Spinette noted that the authorities were continuing to take active action against drug mafias in the region. The mayor expressed concern that many young people and illegal migrants were easy targets for recruitment. According to him, the Brussels drug mafias exploit poverty and vulnerability to recruit people for the street drug trade. This gives young people an opportunity to earn money, but they risk being drawn into criminal activity and even losing their lives.
Drugs, weapons and large sums of cash have been seized in Saint-Gilles in recent months. The mayor said dozens of people, including minors, have been arrested and criminal investigations have been launched. But Spinette stressed that more federal support is needed to combat drug trafficking, particularly in dealing with illegal immigrants and asylum seekers who often find themselves caught up in criminal schemes.
Measures taken to combat drug trafficking:
- A major police operation resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people.
- Seizure of weapons, drugs and €100,000 in cash.
- Organizing more than 60 public events to regain control over the squares.
- Cooperation with anti-mafia organizations to mobilize citizens against crime.
The mayor also noted that the federal government must play a more active role in tackling Brussels’ crime problem. He criticized the lack of effective measures to disperse asylum seekers, who often end up on the streets due to a lack of space in the centers. This makes them vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations. Spinette insists on the need for a comprehensive approach that includes not only repressive measures but also support for vulnerable groups.
Federal Aid and Challenges for Saint-Gilles
The mayor of Saint-Gilles continues to call on the federal government to take action, stressing the importance of systemic solutions to combat crime and social deprivation. He condemned the recent visit of Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden at the Brussels-Midi station, where she announced a clean-up of the area. Spinette pointed to the lack of long-term solutions and called the government’s actions “symbolic” because no real changes had been made on the ground.
Spinette also noted that promises to create a new police station at the station had not been fulfilled. He said the federal government must increase funding for the judicial police and speed up the appointment of prosecutors, as well as provide stable support for social services. Without such measures, he said, the fight against drug trafficking and petty crime in Brussels will remain ineffective, and vulnerable people will continue to fall into the clutches of criminal networks.
Problems requiring solutions at the federal level:
- Lack of funding for the federal police and judiciary.
- Failure to deliver on promises to create a new police station at Brussels-Midi station.
- The problem of lack of places for asylum seekers and migrants.
- The need to create an effective system for dispersing vulnerable population groups.
Spinette said he hoped future measures would be more thoughtful and aimed at making a real difference in Saint-Gilles and other areas of Brussels. However, this would require close cooperation between local and federal authorities, as well as attention to the needs of vulnerable groups who are easy prey for drug traffickers.
