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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

Three Arrested in Brussels After 3.5kg Drugs Found in Airbnb

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Brussels police arrested three men after discovering over 3.5 kilograms of drugs and nearly 5,000 euros in cash in an Airbnb.
  • The investigation began when officers observed a suspected cocaine deal, leading to the arrest of one man hiding in a tent.
  • The subsequent search of an Airbnb revealed more drugs, including cocaine and cannabis resin, and identified the property as a storage and packaging site.

Brussels police apprehended three individuals following the discovery of a significant quantity of drugs and cash in an Airbnb property. A patrol unit in central Brussels observed what appeared to be a cocaine transaction, prompting the two men involved to flee. Officers pursued and apprehended the suspected seller, who was found hiding in a makeshift tent near the scene. Small amounts of cocaine were also found on the ground in this improvised shelter.

The men fled when they saw the police officers.

— Ilse Van de KeerePolice spokesperson, describing the initial encounter.

The initial arrest triggered a broader investigation that led authorities to an Airbnb residence in another Brussels municipality. Police identified this location as a suspected hub for storing and packaging drugs intended for a retail point. During a search of the premises, two additional suspects were detained.

In this improvised shelter, various small balls of cocaine were also found on the ground.

— Ilse Van de KeereDescribing evidence found near the first arrest.

In total, police seized 3.344 kilograms of cocaine, 405 grams of cannabis resin, 4,845 euros in cash, and packaging materials. The three arrested men were reportedly residing illegally in Belgium. They were presented to an investigating judge, who ordered their provisional detention.

The investigation that followed this arrest led investigators to an Airbnb home, which according to the police served as a storage and packaging site for supplying a sales point.

— Ilse Van de KeereExplaining the connection between the initial arrest and the Airbnb.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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