Brussels, April 23, 2024 – The National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC) in Belgium has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Forensic Drug Expertise Center, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s battle against its drug epidemic. This initiative, backed by the Belgian Ministry of Justice, underscores the commitment of the Belgian government, under the leadership of Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt, to aggressively tackle the increasing drug-related challenges.
Strategic enhancements in drug enforcement
The new center will support police, customs, and judiciary operations by providing essential services such as drug testing, development of uniform and secure sample collection procedures, and the maintenance of a comprehensive drug database. These tools are intended to deepen the understanding of drug trafficking patterns and production networks, providing law enforcement with critical insights.
A triple-focused mission
The center is not only a response to the immediate needs of law enforcement but also a strategic body aiming for three main objectives: ensuring accurate and safe drug sample collection by police and customs, developing forensic methodologies for specific drug profiling, and managing a detailed drug database. This is part of a broader strategy that includes significant investments in specialized equipment and additional research personnel, funded by 500,000 euros allocated by the Ministry of Justice.
Safety and precision in focus
The Forensic Drug Expertise Center has implemented standardized procedures that are pivotal for safely handling dangerous substances found during drug seizures. These procedures ensure that samples are collected correctly, minimizing risk to personnel and maintaining the integrity needed for judicial processes.
Forensic profiling as a cornerstone
Advanced forensic profiling is at the heart of the center’s operations. Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, the NICC’s lab meticulously identifies, classifies, and analyzes seized drugs. This detailed profiling allows for an unprecedented level of comparison with reference samples, helping to trace drugs back to their origins and identify links between different batches and the labs where they were produced.
Building a national drug database
One of the key initiatives of the center is the creation of a national drug database, which will compile data from across Belgium on drug seizures. This database will provide invaluable insights into drug trends, production methods, and usage patterns across the nation, aiding in the development of more targeted and effective drug policies.
Government’s commitment to combating the drug epidemic
Minister Paul Van Tigchelt expressed the government’s determination to continue investing in measures to combat the drug epidemic in Belgium. “It is crucial that we keep our finger on the pulse of emerging drug trends and compositions. The new forensic center will enable us to better understand and counteract these challenges more effectively,” stated Van Tigchelt.
Ine Van Wymersch, Belgium’s National Drug Commissioner, highlighted the importance of staying ahead of criminal innovation. “As criminal elements evolve in their product development and operational tactics, it is imperative that our methodologies and technologies do the same. This new facility will allow for more detailed drug analyses, which are essential for an effective health policy and public safety strategy,” she added.
Pierre Van Renterghem, Director-General of the NICC, underscored the unique role of the center in enhancing the country’s forensic capabilities: “With these additional resources, the NICC can expand its role as a federal forensic drug expertise hub, merging clandestine lab data with traditional drug samples to produce a wealth of forensic intelligence.”
Author Andy Vermaut +32499357495 denktankcarmenta@gmail.com
