Brussels police have seized over 27 kilograms of ketamine in a house search in Schaerbeek, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Friday.
The operation, conducted by the Brussels-North police zone on Wednesday, led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer.
At approximately 10:00 AM on February 12, officers from a support unit of the police were dispatched to the Cage aux Ours area in Schaerbeek as part of an ongoing investigation.
Their objective was to follow up on a case and conduct a house search. However, upon noticing law enforcement presence, a man attempted to evade capture by fleeing through the back window of the building.
A police chase ensued, with officers pursuing the suspect on foot. The man was apprehended just a few feet away and taken into custody.
According to the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office, the individual was found in possession of “several items of criminal origin.”
Following the suspect’s arrest, police proceeded with a thorough search of the residence. Inside, they uncovered a significant drug operation, including 27.1 kilograms of ketamine, a powerful dissociative anesthetic often misused as a recreational drug.
In addition to the ketamine, law enforcement officers found various pieces of equipment believed to be used for the manufacturing and packaging of narcotics.
The suspect was brought before an examining magistrate and charged with illicit possession and manufacturing of narcotics for sale, as well as forgery and the use of forged documents.
Despite the gravity of the offenses, the examining magistrate opted to release the man under specific conditions, the details of which were not disclosed.
The seizure of such a large quantity of ketamine underscores the growing concern over synthetic drug trafficking in Brussels.
Law enforcement agencies have been ramping up their efforts to dismantle drug networks operating within the city, particularly in areas like Schaerbeek, which have seen an increase in police interventions targeting illicit drug activities.
Ketamine, while legally used in medical and veterinary settings, has become increasingly prevalent in the illegal drug market.
Its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects make it a sought-after substance among recreational users.
However, misuse can lead to severe health risks, including memory loss, addiction, and life-threatening overdoses.
The Brussels-North police zone has not provided further details regarding the potential links between the suspect and larger drug trafficking networks.
However, investigations remain ongoing, and authorities are expected to continue their crackdown on drug-related activities in the region.
This latest drug bust follows a series of similar operations in Brussels, where law enforcement agencies have intensified their fight against narcotics trafficking.
The seizure serves as a stark reminder of the persistent drug-related challenges faced by authorities and the need for continued vigilance in curbing the illegal drug trade.
Despite the suspect’s conditional release, the case remains under judicial review, with potential further legal action pending.
The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office has assured that law enforcement will remain steadfast in its commitment to dismantling drug operations and ensuring public safety.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
