Brussels, March 22, 2025 – In a large-scale crackdown on drug trafficking in the Brussels-Capital Region, police have arrested three suspects and seized 63 blocks of cocaine valued at approximately €1,575,000.
The operation took place in Anderlecht’s Aumale district on Thursday, March 20, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday.
Authorities launched the operation as part of efforts to combat drug-related crimes in one of the city’s well-known hotspots for trafficking and nuisance activities.
The Aumale district, located near Saint-Guidon, has been under increased surveillance due to its links to illicit drug networks.
“Part of this illegal shipment was hidden in a searched apartment, while the rest was concealed in a modified compartment of a vehicle used by the suspects,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office stated in a press release.
Criminal Networks Involved
According to sources close to the case, the intercepted drugs were linked to a so-called “rip deal” — a term referring to a transaction in which one criminal group steals money or narcotics from another.
In this instance, a Moroccan gang reportedly attempted to steal from an Albanian network, escalating tensions between the two groups.
By seizing the shipment, law enforcement officers may have prevented another violent confrontation in the area. Recent months have seen an uptick in drug-related shootings across Brussels, often linked to feuding criminal organizations.
A Coordinated Police Effort
The operation was carried out by the ninth Investigation Division (OA9) of the Federal Judicial Police of Brussels, with support from special intervention units and the technical and scientific police laboratory.
The extensive coordination highlights the authorities’ commitment to tackling organized crime and drug distribution networks operating within the capital.
The three arrested suspects are now facing charges related to the possession and sale of narcotics in association with a criminal organization. They have been brought before an investigating judge, who will determine the next legal steps in their prosecution.
Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
Brussels has witnessed increasing efforts by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on drug-related crimes, particularly in high-risk areas such as Anderlecht, Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek.
These neighborhoods have been at the center of Belgium’s broader fight against the cocaine trade, which has surged in recent years due to the country’s strategic location as a transit hub for narcotics entering Europe.
Authorities have emphasized that more operations are expected as they intensify their efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
“Our priority remains to disrupt drug trafficking routes and reduce the violence associated with these illegal activities,” a police spokesperson stated.
The arrests and drug seizure mark a significant success in this ongoing battle. However, law enforcement officials acknowledge that much work remains to be done in curbing the influence of organized crime in Brussels’ neighborhoods.
As investigations continue, police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity to assist in their efforts to maintain safety and security in the capital.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
