Parket Unveils Major Peterbos Raid.. First Step to Secure Brussels Neighborhood

Parket Launches Major Peterbos Raid to Secure Brussels Area

With nearly 900 officers, police raided 271 Peterbos apartments linked to Marseille’s drug mafia, uncovering hidden suspects and illegal activities.

Marie Dupont12 June 2025Last Update : 24 hours ago

Parket geeft uitleg bij grootschalige actie in Peterbos-wijk: “Eerste fase in plan om buurt te beveiligen, het wordt tijd dat dit stopt” (Brussel)

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On 2025-06-12 14:15:00, a major police operation took place in Anderlecht’s troubled Peterbos neighbourhood, involving 900 officers raiding 271 apartments. This large-scale action targeted a gang linked to the Marseille drug mafia, highlighting the ongoing drug trafficking issues in Brussels.

6 Key Takeaways

Police raided 271 apartments in Peterbos
Arrested 19 suspects and 4 judicially detained
Found weapons, drugs, and illegal workers
Authorities plan long-term neighborhood security
Marseille drug mafia links confirmed
Mayor apologized to residents for disruption

The apartments, temporarily vacant due to renovations, were reportedly used as hubs for drug and human trafficking. Police discovered hidden materials, arrested suspects, and seized weapons and drugs, aiming to reclaim the area for its residents. This unprecedented police presence reflects growing efforts to restore safety in one of Brussels’ most challenging districts.

How effective will this operation be in the long term? And can Peterbos finally be freed from the grip of drug dealers? These questions set the stage for understanding the broader strategy behind the raid.

Fast Answer: The Anderlecht police’s massive 2025-06-12 raid in Peterbos targeted Marseille-linked drug gangs, resulting in multiple arrests and controls, marking a critical step toward restoring safety for local residents in Brussels.

This operation raises important considerations about tackling entrenched criminal networks. While immediate arrests disrupt illegal activities, sustainable change requires ongoing commitment. Key points include:

Police controlled 411 people and 117 vehicles, uncovering illegal activities and unauthorized residents.
Authorities emphasize this is a long-term effort, with a five-year plan to reclaim neighbourhood control.
Collaboration with Marseille prosecutors is planned, underlining the transnational nature of the drug trade.
Social services involvement aims to support residents and improve living conditions alongside law enforcement.

This operation highlights Brussels’ dedication to addressing drug-related crime in vulnerable neighbourhoods, with Peterbos serving as a focus for future urban renewal and security efforts.

Looking ahead, continuous police presence combined with social initiatives could gradually restore Peterbos as a safe community. Residents and authorities alike must remain engaged to ensure lasting improvements and prevent the return of criminal elements.