East Flanders police intercepted a van carrying over 150 kilogrammes of ketamine on the E17 motorway towards Kortrijk during a nighttime operation, federal police confirmed on Monday.
The significant drug bust took place between 10 and 11 March and resulted in the detention of the vehicle’s driver.
According to a statement from law enforcement, officers of the federal traffic police became suspicious of a German-registered van due to its erratic driving on the E17 between Sint-Niklaas and Lochristi.
The vehicle was subsequently pulled over for inspection, leading to the discovery of six sealed boxes in the cargo area.
“A vigilant patrol from the federal traffic police decided to conduct a check and discovered six sealed boxes containing more than 150 kilogrammes of ketamine in the cargo area,” the police reported.
Following the seizure, the driver was immediately arrested and brought before an examining magistrate in Dendermonde.
The court later ordered the suspect’s detention, which has since been confirmed by the Chamber, police stated. The driver is set to remain in custody for at least another month as the investigation continues.
Federal police did not disclose additional details about the suspect or the origin and intended destination of the drugs, citing the ongoing nature of the case. However, authorities are treating the seizure as a major blow to drug trafficking operations in the region.
Ketamine, originally developed as an anaesthetic for medical and veterinary use, has increasingly become a substance of abuse in illicit drug markets.
It is commonly used as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. Large-scale trafficking of ketamine is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies across Europe, particularly as its distribution is often linked to organised criminal networks.
The E17 motorway, a major transportation route connecting Antwerp to the French border, has been known for previous drug interceptions.
Authorities in Belgium have ramped up their efforts to crack down on drug smuggling operations, employing advanced surveillance techniques and targeted traffic checks.
This latest interception underscores the effectiveness of Belgium’s federal traffic police in combating illegal drug shipments. Officers regularly monitor key transit routes to identify and intercept suspicious vehicles, preventing dangerous substances from reaching their intended markets.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to examine the suspect’s possible connections to drug trafficking organisations and whether this shipment was part of a larger smuggling operation.
The outcome of the driver’s legal proceedings will also be closely monitored, as Belgium continues to strengthen its stance against narcotics trafficking.
While no further information has been released at this stage, law enforcement officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling drug networks operating through the country.
“This seizure is a clear warning to traffickers: Belgian police remain vigilant and fully committed to tackling the illegal drug trade,” a federal police spokesperson stated.
The driver is scheduled for a court hearing in the coming weeks, with authorities expected to provide further updates as the case develops.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
