Instant fines for drug possession have been implemented across the country since January 2022.
More than a thousand immediate fines were levied for possession of drugs during July alone, mainly at festivals, according to Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD).
“Drugs are not only illegal, they are also very harmful and potentially fatal. In addition, users help to finance organised crime, which is responsible for a wave of violence in our country,” Van Quickenborne said on Saturday evening following a police drug operation in the coastal tourism city Blankenberge.
In the space of a year and a half, nearly a million euros have been seized.
The fines are calculated based on the variety and quantity of drugs found, with offenders required to pay immediately via QR code or bank transfer within a 15-day window.
Different fines for different drugs
Violators possessing cannabis face potential fines up to 150 euros. Possession of ecstasy or similar synthetic drugs comes with a heightened fine of 300 euros. Unprecedentedly, cocaine possession can now give an instant fine of up to 1,000 euros.
Since the new rule's enforcement, authorities have issued 7,855 penalties, totaling almost 1 million euros.
The introduction of this law has been particularly noticeable around festival venues, with Tomorrowland festival witnessing the imposition of 360 fines alone.
