Belgian authorities use modern techniques which are generally effective. Interdiction efforts by Belgian customs authorities at Antwerp and Zeebrugge are exemplary. During the first three quarters of 1997, Belgian authorities in Antwerp seized more than 1,973 kilograms of cocaine, 10.4 kilograms of heroin, and more than 25,532 kilograms of cannabis. They arrested more than 53 persons in connection with these seizures. Corruption is not judged to be a problem within the narcotics units of the law enforcement agencies.
Legal measures exist to combat and punish corruption.
Agreements and Treaties . The Government of Belgium is currently negotiating police cooperation agreements with Morocco and Russia. It expects these agreements to be signed in Spring 1998. Belgium has signed and ratified the 1988 UN Drug Convention. Belgium is a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol.