Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Sint-Truiden drug gang leader sentenced to 300 hours of community service and a €12,000 fine. The gang used hidden cars. Police seized drugs and cash.
A person in Sint-Truiden received 300 hours of community service and a 12,000-euro fine for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation. If he doesn’t complete the community service in time, he will be locked up for 30 months. He did not have a driver’s license but still ran a successful drug trade by having others drive his Peugeot 5008. The operation used three cars with hidden compartments for drugs. The gang leader paid couriers between 80 and 100 euros for their work.
How did the Sint-Truiden drug leader operate without a license?
The case reveals how the leader of the drug operation managed to run things without a legal driver’s license. He coordinated a group to handle the drug trade. The gang used cars with hidden spots for drugs. The court’s decision warns others involved in similar crimes that they could face serious punishments. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in breaking up drug trafficking networks.
The Sint-Truiden drug trafficking group took serious steps to avoid detection by law enforcement. They used mobile phones with apps that deleted messages automatically, making it hard for police to trace their conversations.
The gang leader instructed members to avoid using real names and to frequently change their phone numbers. They also adopted fake names like “Dalton,” “Lipe,” “Montana,” and “Picasso” to protect their identities. These measures made it challenging for investigators to link them to the drug trade. This level of planning and organization shows how sophisticated the criminal operation was, highlighting the lengths they went to in order to stay under the radar.
How did the Sint-Truiden gang use social media to flaunt their wealth?
The gang not only worked to hide their identities but also showed off their money on social media. They shared pictures and videos of themselves with lots of cash, which showed how much they made from their illegal work. Some members used their money to make music videos, hoping to start rap careers. This was a way to clean their money and gain respect.
By getting into the entertainment world, they tried to cover up where their money came from while also getting attention. Authorities mentioned that this case shows how criminal groups often try to make their illegal money look good and create a flashy image to avoid suspicion.
In December 2020, police stopped a car in Sint-Truiden and found drugs inside. They discovered over 6 kilograms of cannabis, cocaine, and a knuckle duster in the driver’s pocket. The driver got 180 hours of community service and an €8,000 fine.
In March 2021, police searched the gang leader’s home and found drugs, cash, and phones. More searches uncovered extra cannabis, and the leader was linked to 60 customers. Five other gang members got jail sentences, and one got community service. The gang’s cars, money, and phones were taken, and all eight members must share €10,700 in legal costs.
