A Belgian footballer has been arrested in connection with a large-scale investigation into cocaine trafficking, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Monday, January 27.
The arrest took place during a series of house searches carried out by the Brussels Federal Judicial Police, as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal importation of drugs from South America to Europe.
The searches, which took place early on Monday morning, involved 30 properties across the province of Antwerp, Brussels, and its surrounding areas.
The investigation is being led by the Organised Crime Section of the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office, with a particular focus on the port of Antwerp, believed to be a major entry point for drugs being smuggled into Europe.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation concerns the alleged importation of cocaine from South America, with the drugs reportedly being smuggled into Europe through the Belgian port, followed by its redistribution across the country.
Marin François, a spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed that the arrest of the footballer, referred to only as “R.N.” in official statements, was linked to this investigation.
While authorities have not disclosed the full identity of the arrested individual, Belgian media outlets, including Het Nieuwsblad, have identified the footballer as Radja Nainggolan, a well-known central midfielder who currently plays for Challenger Pro League club Lokeren-Temse.
Nainggolan, 35, has previously played for top-tier clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan, and his arrest has sent shockwaves through the Belgian football community.
As the investigation is still ongoing, the Prosecutor’s Office has not provided further details about the case.
Local authorities have stressed the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence, and no additional information is expected until the interrogations of the suspects are completed.
François emphasized that a more detailed statement will be issued once the investigating judge has had the opportunity to question those involved.
The arrest of Nainggolan is part of a broader crackdown on international drug trafficking networks operating between South America and Europe.
In recent months, authorities have made several significant busts, including a record 8.2-tonne cocaine seizure at a Colombian port.
This latest operation, which spans multiple countries, highlights the growing concern over the role of major European ports like Antwerp in the global drug trade.
Nainggolan’s arrest has raised questions within the Belgian football scene, where the former national team player has built a reputation for both his on-field talent and his outspoken personality.
The footballer’s involvement in the investigation could have far-reaching consequences for both his career and his personal life, as Belgian authorities work to unravel the details of the cocaine smuggling operation.
At this stage, the investigation is still in its early phases, and no formal charges have been brought against Nainggolan. The footballer’s legal team has yet to comment on the arrest, and they are expected to release a statement once further developments arise.
The case has garnered widespread attention, with many awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the legal proceedings that will follow.