IPA Antwerp – COPS 2.0 Seminar

Drugs and Related Violence

Location: APB Campus Vesta, Oostmalsesteenweg 75, 2520 Ranst, Belgium
Duration: 16–23 August 2026 (8 days)

Overview

This intensive 8-day seminar focuses on the theme “Drugs and related violence” and combines lectures, workshops, and practical training sessions delivered by specialist speakers and experienced police trainers.

The programme offers a strong balance between theoretical input, operational training, networking, and social interaction.

A key feature of the seminar is the opportunity to build international professional connections in a practical learning environment.

Programme Structure

• Sunday 16 August: Arrival, registration and participant administration
• Monday 17 – Friday 21 August: Lectures and practical workshops
• Saturday 22 August: Socio-cultural excursion and free time
• Sunday 23 August: Departure and transfers to Antwerp-Berchem Station

Training Highlights

Workshops include:

• Breaching techniques (external location)
• Synthetic drugs laboratory visit
• Drug & explosives detection dog demonstrations
• Vehicle concealment techniques
• Knife retention, baton training & shooting range scenario exercises
• Role-play based operational scenarios

All sessions take place on site except one external training module.

Socio-Cultural Programme

A guided excursion to Antwerp will take place before departure, including visits to historic crime-related locations with a professional “crime guide”. Participants will also have free time to explore the city.

Accommodation & Facilities

The seminar is delivered as an all-inclusive package, including:

• Breakfast, lunch, and hot evening meals
• On-site accommodation at Campus Vesta
• Bedding, camp beds, and large tented accommodation
• Showers and toilet facilities
• On-site social bar for networking

All training facilities are located on campus, with the exception of one external workshop.

Commercial Exhibitions

A number of professional partners will be present to demonstrate specialist police and defence equipment. Participants will have the opportunity to view and test selected equipment during demonstrations.

Participants

• Operational personnel only (Police, Military Police, Customs, etc.)
• Maximum age: 40 years
• Total participants: 60 international and national attendees
• Up to 10 day participants per day permitted

Costs

Full Seminar Package

IPA Members: €650
Non-Members: €800

Includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Bedding and facilities
• Full access to training programme

Excludes:

• Evening bar consumption
• Travel to/from the event

Day Participation Option

• IPA Members: €85 per day (lunch included)
• Non-Members: €100 per day (lunch included)

Participant Requirements

Participants must bring:

• Sportswear and indoor trainers (mandatory)
• Tactical clothing and footwear
• Casual clothing
• Official uniform for opening ceremony and group photo

⚠️ No weapons of any kind are permitted.

Transport

By Air/Train

International participants travel to Antwerp-Berchem Station, where transfers will be arranged.

By Car

Campus Vesta is accessible via major routes from Belgium and neighbouring countries. Recommended navigation via Waze.

Registration

Registration must be submitted via your national IPA Section Secretariat (for members). Selection is based on registration order (waiting list applies where necessary).

Contact

IPA Provincie Antwerpen VZW
Lange Nieuwstraat 16 Bus 301, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
🌐 www.ipa-antwerpen.be
📧 bestuur@ipa-antwerpen.be

COPS 2.0 – E

COPS 2.0 – Fr

COPS 2.0 – Nl

Drogues & Violence Liée au Drogues – COPS 2.0 Seminar Overview_QR

Drugs & Gerelateerd Geweld – COPS 2.0 Seminar Overview_QR

Drugs & Related Violence – COPS 2.0 Seminar Overview_QR