Benelux, police cooperation, Safety
Cross-border control operation “From Knokke to Athus”
07 Sep. 2026
On 4 and 5 September 2026, Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg police services carried out a joint cross-border control operation entitled “From Knokke to Athus”. Organised on the occasion of Benelux Day 2026, the operation highlighted the importance of intensive police cooperation within the Benelux.
Thanks to the Benelux Treaty on Police Cooperation, police services can work together more quickly and effectively across national borders. This cooperation strengthens the fight against cross-border crime, facilitates the smooth exchange of information and contributes to the safety and security of citizens in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
To further highlight this cooperation, the three countries organised the cross-border operation “From Knokke to Athus”. Various control measures were carried out in border regions across the Benelux.
Since the modernised Benelux Treaty on Police Cooperation entered into force in 2023, police services in the three countries have had enhanced possibilities to pursue suspects across borders, exchange information and conduct joint operations. Last weekend’s operation provides a concrete example of how this cooperation contributes to tackling crime and public nuisance.
Results
During the operation, participating police services checked a total of 382 people and 968 vehicles. Checks were also carried out on international railway services.
The operation resulted, among other things, in:
48 judicial reports;
7 judicial arrests;
the seizure of approximately 0.5 kg of drugs, mainly cannabis;
the seizure of 700 cartons of contraband cigarettes;
the seizure of 2 vehicles;
28 reports for road traffic offences, including offences relating to taxi regulations and driving under the influence.
Participating police services and partners
Federal Police
The coordination and support directorates of Antwerp (coordination), Limburg, Liège, Luxembourg, East Flanders and West Flanders took part in the operation, together with the Road Police, Air Support, Canine Support and the Directorate of Administrative Police Operations.
Local Police
On the Belgian side, the following local police zones participated in the operation:
Geel-Laakdal-Meerhout Police Zone (GLM), Grens Police Zone, Noord Police Zone, Noorderkempen Police Zone, Damme/Knokke-Heist Police Zone, Aalter-Maldegem Police Zone, Regio Puyenbroeck Police Zone, Meetjesland-Centrum Police Zone, BDM Police Zone, Maasland Police Zone, CARMA Police Zone and Sud-Luxembourg Police Zone.
In addition, several police services from the Netherlands and the South-West and Northern police regions and the Grand Ducal Police Guard and Operational Support Unit took part in the operation, alongside customs authorities.
