Mechelen (The Brussels morning newspaper): In May 2024 German customs seized over a ton of cocaine in Hamburg, prompting a joint investigation with Belgium that uncovered a drug lab and an illegal cigarette factory leading to five arrests.
In May 2024 German customs found over one ton of cocaine hidden in cargo at the port of Hamburg. This large drug seizure led to a bigger investigation, showing that a well-organized criminal group was involved. The discovery revealed that this group was part of a larger operation prompting authorities to look into the case further.
What led to the Mechelen raids uncovering an international drug and cigarette trafficking operation?
It has been said that the investigation showed that the criminal group behind the drug shipment had operations in several countries including Belgium. Kristof Aerts from the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the group was active in Belgium too. This discovery led to joint efforts by German and Belgian authorities to break up the criminal network.
On 20th August tuesday the Federal Judicial Police conducted five house searches in and around Mechelen. They made two major discoveries: one warehouse in Mechelen had an illegal drug lab where drugs were being made and another warehouse in Aartselaar had an illegal cigarette factory. These findings are part of a larger investigation into a criminal network involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The discovery of these facilities shows the extent of the group’s operations.
During the raids police found a drug lab making oils for amphetamines and discovered about 1 million illegal cigarettes in Aartselaar. They also seized 20 mobile phones, 40,000 euros in cash, 3 computers and several luxury cars. Five suspects including a woman and four men from Belgium, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Germany were arrested. They are now appearing before a judge in Mechelen to decide if they will stay in custody.
