26 minutes agoCharged for drug trafficking, 3 Albanians flee Belgium
Periskopi(3 months ago)
(3 months ago)Three Albanians who were due to appear before the criminal court in Belgium on Wednesday for their role in a drug case have fled the country while allegedly in Albania. They are accused of being members of a well-organised gang selling drugs at Gent-Zuid. Their escape has cost them the loss of guarantees, [...]
Their escape has cost them the loss of guarantees, 10,000 and 8,000 euros respectively. The case began on October 6, 2024, when police stopped a Fiat at Gent-Zuid. An amount of cannabis and 3,100 euros in cash was found in the car.
During the search of the suspects' phones, investigators also found messages that, according to the investigation, are clearly linked to the drug trade. This prompted the prosecution to deepen the investigation. Several apartment checks were conducted after the search.
In a house in Edadard Pynaertkaai, investigators found a drug register, money, and narcotics. In other addresses, the police made significant discoveries.
A total of 169 grams of cocaine and 4,000 euros in cash were found in Oosteeclotras. In a residence in Hagelandkaai, 119 grams of cocaine were found at a suspected third. According to the prosecution, these evidence shows the defendants were part of a structured network dealing with the sale of drugs. According to the prosecution, the first defendant had a leading role in the organisation, while the other two acted as doers or distributors.
The main figure was asked for a 40-month prison sentence, a fine of 8,000 euros, and the seizure of 35,000 euros. The second defendant was asked for 30 months in prison, fines 8,000 euros, and the seizure of 9,500 euros. The third suspect jeopardises two years in prison, fines 8,000 euros, and seizures of 1,800 euros, Euronews.al writes.
Since they are back in Albania and do not appear in session, they lose that amount. The court ruling is expected to be issued on April 22nd.
