Brussels, Belgium: The office of the French-speaking Education Minister, Caroline Désir, has become the centre of a drug trafficking investigation after 50 sachets of cocaine were discovered in December.
The revelation has led to the arrest of an assistant responsible for equipment and logistics, raising questions about the integrity of the ministerial office.
The incident came to light on December 15 when Minister Désir was informed that one of her assistants had been apprehended in connection to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
Subsequently, a dismissal procedure for breach of trust was initiated in accordance with regulations governing ministerial offices.
The following day, the minister’s office was searched, leading to the discovery of around 50 sachets containing a white powdery substance.
In a press release, Minister Désir’s spokesperson confirmed the developments, stating, “On the same day, his office was searched to check for any criminal objects.
Around 50 sachets containing white powder were discovered.” The minister’s office took swift action, engaging a criminal lawyer to collaborate with the examining magistrate overseeing the investigation.
The minister emphasized that the office proactively initiated cooperation with investigators. “Full cooperation between relevant authorities was ensured, and the bags were taken away by investigators on the same day.
They discovered nothing else and have not wished to interview any other member of the office since,” stated the spokesperson. The Brussels Prosecutor’s Office later confirmed the discovery of narcotics in Minister Désir’s office in December 2023.
According to spokesperson Yanina Vanoverschelde, a cabinet employee was brought before an investigating judge on suspicion of selling and possessing narcotics, ultimately leading to the employee’s arrest.
In total, eight suspects were presented before the investigating judge, with two released under conditions and six others placed under an arrest warrant.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office has refrained from providing further details at this time.
The case has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting concerns about the potential impact on Minister Désir’s reputation and the efficacy of her office.
Opposition figures have seized on the incident, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
Questions are being raised about how such illegal substances could find their way into a government office and whether there are systemic issues that need addressing.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits more information on the extent of the alleged drug trafficking operation and any potential involvement of other individuals within or connected to the ministerial office.
Minister Désir, for her part, faces the challenge of maintaining public trust and addressing the fallout from this unexpected and damaging revelation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
