gr.euronews.com
Belgium to use military radar to combat smuggling via private aircraft
Belgian customs will use military radar to monitor private aircraft, addressing the exploitation of 150 airfields lacking customs checks and aiming to combat smuggling of drugs, weapons, and illegal goods.
- What is the impact of using military radar to monitor private aircraft on combating smuggling in Belgium?
- Belgian customs will start using military radar to monitor private aircraft more closely to combat smuggling. This follows authorities recognizing smugglers exploit limited oversight at smaller airfields and heliports. Private planes are frequently used for smuggling drugs, weapons, cash, and illegal goods with minimal checks.
- How does the limited oversight of smaller airfields and heliports in Belgium contribute to smuggling activities?
- The move addresses the vulnerability of Belgium's 150 airfields and heliports, many lacking customs checks, making them attractive for smuggling. Authorities previously focused on six major airports, leaving the others largely unmonitored. This lack of surveillance has allowed criminal activity to flourish.
- What are the potential long-term effects of this enhanced surveillance on the detection and prevention of smuggling via private aircraft in Belgium?
- The intensified surveillance, using military radar data and a dedicated customs officer at the national air security center, will allow for proactive investigations of suspicious flights, even those with transponders off. This is expected to significantly increase the detection of smuggling attempts, impacting criminal networks significantly.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a problem of insufficient surveillance, leading the reader to believe that increased surveillance is the primary solution. The headline (if there was one) likely emphasized the use of military radar and the resulting increase in detection, potentially downplaying other factors contributing to smuggling.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "smuggling," "illegal goods," and "criminals" carry negative connotations. However, these are commonly used terms in this context and replacing them would not significantly alter the article's meaning.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Belgian customs' efforts to combat smuggling via private aircraft, but it omits discussion of other smuggling methods or the overall effectiveness of this approach compared to other strategies. It also doesn't mention potential downsides of increased surveillance, such as privacy concerns or the possibility of disproportionate targeting.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that the only solution to smuggling via private aircraft is increased surveillance using military radar. It doesn't explore alternative solutions, such as enhanced international cooperation or stricter regulations on private aircraft ownership and operation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Belgian customs using military radar to monitor private aircrafts to combat smuggling directly contributes to strengthening institutions and improving law enforcement, thus promoting peace and justice. The initiative addresses the lack of surveillance at smaller airports and heliports, which were previously exploited by smugglers. Increased detection and prevention of smuggling activities contribute to a safer and more secure society.