International drug network between Zaventem and France dismantled: 9 arrests, 13 kilos of cocaine seized

An international police operation has dismantled a suspected Albanian drug trafficking network that smuggled cocaine from Belgium to France. The coordinated action resulted in nine arrests and the seizure of 13 kilograms of cocaine, along with significant quantities of weapons and cash.

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The smuggling occurred via vehicles with professionally built hidden compartments.

The investigation, a joint effort between the Federal Judicial Police Halle-Vilvoorde and the French Gendarmerie from Rennes and Brest, uncovered a criminal organization specializing in drug transport between the two countries. According to the Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor's office, the network utilized vehicles equipped with professionally built hidden compartments for their operations.

"These vehicles were systematically loaded with drugs in an underground parking garage in Zaventem before heading towards France," the prosecutor's office stated. The operation involved house searches in both countries. French authorities arrested four suspects in the Brest region on June 10, followed by 14 house searches in Belgium the next day, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

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These vehicles were systematically loaded with drugs in an underground parking garage in Zaventem before heading towards France.

During the searches, investigators discovered a cocaine press, 13 kilograms of cocaine, and 26 kilograms of chemical substances used for drug cutting, along with acetone. A cache of weapons, including two handguns and a hunting rifle with ammunition, was also found. Additionally, luxury goods, 19 vehicles, and approximately 70,000 euros in cash were confiscated. The investigation is ongoing to identify further network connections.

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The investigation is ongoing to map further branches of the network.