Tackling synthetic drug dumping sites in Belgium : trial and error?

Korte inhoud:Belgium is internationally known for its synthetic drug production and trafficking. The three main synthetic drugs produced in Belgium are amphetamine, XTC and methamphetamine. Production of these drugs generates a significant amount of waste. This waste is illegally dumped or discharged, thus posing a threat to public health and the environment. Synthetic drug production is therefore strongly linked to environmental crime. Many dumping sites remain undetected, which limits our perception and knowledge of environmental long-term harms and hinders the development of approaches, both preventive and remediating, within policy and practice. This paper discusses the dismantling and remediation of synthetic drug dumping sites in Belgium based on a literature review, semi-structured interviews with professionals and a case file study of judicial files. Firstly, we highlight the drug dumping cases dismantled in Belgium, the professional actors involved in tackling dumping sites and their cooperation. Secondly, we address challenges regarding the follow-up and expertise needed to dismantle and remediate synthetic drug dumping sites in Belgium, namely a lack of communication and uniform procedures, a lack of knowledge, a lack of sense of urgency, contradictions regarding financial responsibilities, and a lack of awareness. Finally, this paper concludes with three recommendations for practice and policy to achieve a more thorough and long-term approach to drug dumping sites in Belgium: (1) introducing a uniform approach for dismantling and remediation based on monitoring; (2) establishing agreements on financing; and (3) broadening of knowledge and expertise.

Jaar van publicatie:2023

Toegankelijkheid:Closed