NEWS
Belgian customs have intercepted a staggering 116 tons of cocaine at the port of Antwerp in 2023, marking a record for the second consecutive year, as announced by Belgian authorities on Wednesday. The announcement follows the recent arrest of 22 individuals, including three police officers, in a significant anti-drug operation targeting suspected cocaine smugglers operating through Antwerp.
Source: ABCNews
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Belgian Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of thousands of employees throughout the country, emphasizing the challenging circumstances they faced in combating drug trafficking. The surge in cocaine seizures is indicative of the intensifying battle against drug-related crimes, as evidenced by the recent large-scale anti-drug bust in Antwerp.
In the context of Europe’s second-largest seaport, the quantity of seized cocaine has risen from 110 tons in 2022. The primary source countries for the illicit drug shipments are identified as Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. The escalation of drug-related violence and the deepening penetration of foreign criminal organizations in Belgium have heightened concerns about the country’s vulnerability to drug trafficking activities.
CHALLENGE
The paramount challenge faced by authorities lies in swiftly and efficiently identifying individuals involved in drug trafficking, particularly those embedded within smuggling networks, including police officers. The complexities of discerning between law enforcement personnel who may be complicit and those genuinely committed to combating crime add a layer of intricacy to the investigative process. Key challenges include:
WHY iCOGNATIVE?
In tackling the intricate challenges posed by the escalating drug-related crimes, iCognative™ technology stands out as a potent tool for law enforcement. Statements such as “I am Involved in cocaine trafficking networks,” “I abused my position for crime” and “I am associated with foreign criminal organizations” can be input into iCognative, enabling investigators to harness real-time brainwave responses.
The non-invasive and swift methodology of iCognative testing, involving suspects wearing an EEG headset and facing a laptop screen, presents a revolutionary solution. The detection of the brainwave P-300 signal, indicative of crime-related information, allows for the rapid identification of individuals associated with drug trafficking. The application of iCognative has the potential to streamline investigative processes, facilitating the dismantling of criminal networks, averting future drug-related violence, and fortifying community safety.
Source: Brainwave Science