Antwerp, Belgium — In a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug crime, the Antwerp Council Chamber referred nineteen suspects to the Criminal Court on Monday for their involvement in an audacious attempt to steal ten tonnes of cocaine seized by customs.
Among those charged is the infamous Dutch drug lord known as ‘Bolle’ Jos Leijdekkers, a prominent figure in the international drug trafficking landscape.
The dramatic events unfolded on October 16, 2023, when Belgian customs officials discovered a staggering ten tonnes of cocaine hidden within a shipment of soybean meal.
The drugs were located in a container that had been unloaded at quay 1742 in the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s largest and busiest ports.
For logistical reasons, the container was transferred to a secure warehouse in Kalmthout, where the illicit cargo was extracted and confirmed to be ten tonnes of cocaine.
The very next day, as police escorted the seized drugs to a customs warehouse in Antwerp, an armed gang attempted to execute a brazen heist.
At approximately 19:00, a group of armed men arrived at the Kalmthout warehouse, threatening a staff member and searching the premises for the cocaine.
However, despite their intimidating tactics, the gang ultimately left empty-handed. The victim quickly notified the police, prompting immediate action to enhance security measures at the warehouse.
The situation escalated when, around 20:45, police received a tip-off about a suspicious van bearing Dutch number plates at the junction of Noorderlaan and IJzerlaan.
Officers from the rapid response team intercepted the vehicle and apprehended seven Dutch men, aged between 22 and 35, who were in the van.
During the arrest, authorities discovered three handguns, indicating the suspects’ preparedness for violent confrontation.
The van was reportedly part of a plan to retrieve the seized cocaine, leading to the immediate detention of the suspects by the investigating judge.
Further investigation into the heist, initiated in February, resulted in a series of coordinated house searches across multiple locations.
Law enforcement conducted eleven searches in cities including Aalst, Antwerp, Berchem, Bertem, Evere, Kampenhout, Kortenberg, Machelen, and Zaventem.
This extensive operation led to the arrest of nine additional suspects, aged between 23 and 34, with four individuals remaining in custody at the behest of the investigating judge.
Authorities have identified ‘Bolle’ Jos Leijdekkers as the alleged mastermind behind this failed theft. He is currently one of the most wanted criminals in the Netherlands and features prominently on Europol’s ‘Most Wanted’ list.
His criminal record includes a lengthy history of drug trafficking and violent crimes, marking him as a key player in the ongoing drug trade across Europe.
In a recent ruling, the Antwerp Criminal Court sentenced Leijdekkers in absentia to ten years in prison along with a hefty €200,000 fine for orchestrating a previous attempt to extract cocaine in the summer of 2020.
That incident resulted in severe injuries to a port security guard, highlighting the violent risks associated with the drug trade.
Furthermore, the court ordered the forfeiture of criminal assets worth €4.7 million linked to Leijdekkers’ activities, underscoring the financial ramifications of his criminal enterprise.
The failed heist highlights the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and organized crime in Belgium, particularly in and around the Port of Antwerp.
As one of the primary entry points for drugs into Europe, the port has become a focal point for customs officials and police alike.
The discovery of such a large quantity of cocaine within a legitimate shipment underscores the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to conceal their illicit activities.
The incident has drawn attention to the urgent need for enhanced security measures and cooperation between international law enforcement agencies.
The Belgian authorities are working closely with their Dutch counterparts and Europol to track down additional members of Leijdekkers’ criminal network and to dismantle the broader organization behind the drug trade.
The growing trend of violent confrontations related to drug trafficking raises alarms about the potential for increased gang violence in urban areas.
Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combatting crime.
As the judicial proceedings move forward, the Antwerp Criminal Court is expected to play a critical role in holding those responsible for this brazen attempt at theft accountable.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime in Belgium and the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of profit in the lucrative drug trade.
In the coming weeks, additional hearings are expected to take place as the court considers the evidence presented against the suspects and deliberates on the appropriate course of action.
The outcome of these proceedings may have significant implications for both the suspects involved and the broader fight against drug trafficking in Europe.
Authorities remain committed to their mission of tackling organized crime and ensuring that those responsible for such acts face justice.
The successful interception of the suspects and the continued investigations signal a determined effort to disrupt criminal operations and safeguard communities from the pervasive threats posed by drug trafficking.
