The Belgian drug commissioner stated that over 80% of the illegal vape cartridges seized by the police contained synthetic opium-like ingredients. She warned that these e-liquids have no obvious smell or color, and children might become addicted unknowingly. The Belgian health minister plans to propose a complete ban on vape flavors to prevent criminal organizations from using fruit or candy flavors to attract minors.
Key Points Summary
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The illegal vape liquid seized in Belgium contained approximately 80% synthetic opium.
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Officials warn that teenagers might become addicted due to the illegal use of vapes at a young age.
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The Belgian Minister of Health intends to completely ban the fruit and candy flavors of vapes.
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The main sources of drug chemical raw materials are China and India.
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Officials warn that Europe needs to prevent itself from becoming a “drug country”.
Euronews Report Highlights Health Risks
December 8, 2025 — According to Euronews. Belgian drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch warned that over 80% of the illegal vape cartridges seized in the country contained synthetic opium-like substances, posing a serious threat to the health of young people.
Invisible and Highly Concealable Drugs
Van Vemelsch pointed out in the Euronews program “12 Minutes With” that these illegal vapes have no smell or color and are highly concealable. “I am very concerned about illegal vapes,” she said. “Among the injectable vape cartridges we seized, more than 80% contain synthetic opium.”
Risk of Early Addiction Among Teenagers
She emphasized that if teenagers inhale such substances. They might develop opium addiction from a young age, affecting brain development. “This is a serious health risk and we must take action to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting supply chain loopholes.”
Belgium and Netherlands Identified as Synthetic Drug Hubs
Van Vemelsch pointed out that Belgium and the Netherlands have become the main production areas for synthetic drugs in Europe. The chemical raw materials mostly come from China and India and are used for illegal manufacturing. She called on the EU to take measures to prevent these chemicals from entering the European market.
Health Minister Pushes for Flavor Ban
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke plans to push for a complete ban on the flavors of vapes, citing that fruit and candy flavors are being exploited by criminal groups to attract children.
- “I’m very glad that the minister is pushing for this ban, because criminal organizations are using this to introduce synthetic opium to children,” Van Vermesh said.
Criminal Networks Target Vulnerable Youth
She also warned that criminal groups are recruiting teenagers and unaccompanied minor immigrants, and using the promise of “luxurious life” to lure them into drug distribution. She called on the government to provide education and job opportunities for young people to prevent them from being drawn into the criminal system.
Fears of Belgium Becoming a “Drug Nation”
Earlier this year, a judge in Antwerp warned that Belgium was at risk of becoming a “drug nation” due to the infiltration of organized crime into the judicial system and the police.
- Van Vemelsch responded by saying: “We are not yet a drug nation, but we must act immediately to prevent us from moving in that direction.”
