Belgian customs officers intercepted a sharp rise in drugs at Brussels Airport in 2025, with cannabis seizures quadrupling and ketamine seizures increasing tenfold compared with 2024, according to the Federal Public Service Finance, Customs and Excise Department. In total, around nine tonnes of drugs were seized, nearly double the volume recorded the previous year.
Passenger-related seizures rose particularly strongly, with customs detecting 1,767 kg of cannabis and 245 kg of ketamine carried by travellers—an overall increase of almost 50% from 2024. Drug interceptions in postal packages also increased, while significant quantities were found in air cargo.
Authorities say cannabis is mainly imported into Belgium from countries such as the US, Canada and Thailand, while ketamine is primarily exported to destinations including Australia, the US, New Zealand and Canada, where resale values are higher. Customs officials warned that smugglers are using increasingly inventive concealment methods and confirmed that surveillance at the airport will be further intensified.