Trafficist 7 tonnes of cocaine in Belgium, Albanian drug gang caught, sentenced to prison for up to six years

The investigation began on 23 February 2024, after Antwerp police received information that a Romanian BMW with license plates was being used for international drug trafficking, during its control, officers found a manipulated microwave oven where more than 2.2kg of cocaine were hidden inside the bullet.

According to Belgian media, investigators began monitoring seven locations -- five in Antwerp, one in Braschaat and one in Linter -- in Brabantin Flemish. During these surveillance, eight suspects appeared. They were seen crawling boxes and bags containing chemicals. In Geuszenstraat, police discovered, among other things, six garbage bags containing nearly fifty empty dishes of products used for washing, cleaning, and preparing cocaine. microwave ovens served not only to process cocaine but also to transport drugs discrete.

After months of investigation, on September 5, 2024, raids were conducted at home. In Geuszenstraat and Linter, police discovered two drug labs where cocaine was washed, cleaned, and printed. Over 1,400 liters of chemicals, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and 23kg of cannabis were seized.

3.1m euros confiscated

In addition, investigators found money - counting machines, mobile phones, and broad accounting data belonging to the drug organization. These found that the gang had traded some 191kg of cannabis and approximately 7 tonnes of cocaine, accounting for a circulation of 147m euros. Even though all the defendants denied any involvement and demanded release from the charges, they were sentenced in late June to prison terms ranging from 40 months to six years.

The court also stated that over 3.1m euros from criminal assets were confiscated. The severest punishment was for Arbri C. (35, who according to the court played a leading role. He kept in touch, supervised various locations, and directed the organization, although he himself received direction from above. He was sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 48,000 euros. Arba D. (33, who paid most of the rent contracts for used property, was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 40,000 euros./ Periscope.