The Brussels prosecutor’s office reports that the Federal Judicial Police has detained members of a criminal gang that smuggled large quantities of drugs from Belgium to the UK.
The gang that was led by individuals of Albanian descent reportedly used Greek lorry drivers to smuggle drugs across the Channel. Around 30 properties were searched on Monday and a number of suspects were detained.
In a statement released on Tuesday the Federal Prosecutor’s Office said “The organisation operated from various locations in Belgium, mainly in the Brussels-Capital Region, but also in Flemish Brabant. During yesterday morning’s opperation around 30 properties were searched, several suspects were arrested and evidence was confiscated”.
Vehicles confiscated
During the searches detectives confiscated handguns, cash, luxury items and several vehicles.
The public prosecutor’s office says that the criminal gang used haulage companies as a front for its illegal activities. Drugs were concealed among loads of legal goods. This ensured that the drugs could be smuggled discreetly for sale in the UK.
As part of the same operation police in France and the UK have also confiscated cocaine and large sums of cash. The investigation will continue in order to identify further members of the gang.