Belgian and Dutch raids in cocaine investigation involving more than 1.6 tonnes seized
Suspects were arrested in Belgium and the Netherlands on 27 October in an investigation into cocaine smuggling through Antwerp. VRT reported the operation on 28 October, citing East Flanders prosecutors.
The judicial investigation concerns cocaine allegedly smuggled from South America through Antwerp’s port. According to the report, authorities have seized more than 1.6 tonnes in Belgium and abroad over the course of this case. That is the cumulative amount in the investigation, rather than a new discovery during the searches on 27 October.
Antwerp’s federal judicial police searched properties under the direction of an investigating judge in Dendermonde. Belgian locations included Antwerp, Doel, Berchem, Beveren, Temse, Sint-Niklaas, Lokeren and Maasmechelen. Dutch operations took place in Terneuzen, Breda and Amsterdam. Investigators seized cash, expensive watches and vehicles.
Belgium is seeking the surrender of the suspects arrested in the Netherlands. Those arrested in Belgium appeared before the investigating judge, who ordered their pretrial detention. The report of 28 October listed a detention review before the judicial council for 30 October.









































