Trafficked 7 tons of cocaine / Belgian court sentences Albanian gang, 3.1 million euros in assets confiscated

An Albanian drug gang operating in southern Antwerp has been sentenced to prison terms of up to 6 years for trafficking nearly 200 kilograms of cannabis and 7 tons of cocaine.

The court said that more than 3.1 million euros in criminal assets had been confiscated. The investigation began on February 23, 2024, after Antwerp police received information that a BMW with Romanian license plates was being used for international drug trafficking. During its inspection, officers found a modified microwave oven in which more than 2.2 kilograms of cocaine had been hidden inside a cartridge.

According to Belgian media, investigators began monitoring seven locations, five in Antwerp, one in Brasschaat and one in Linter, in Flemish Brabant.

During this surveillance, eight suspects emerged. They were seen several times dragging boxes and bags containing chemicals.

In Geuzenstraat, police discovered, among other things, six garbage bags containing nearly fifty empty containers of products used for washing, cleaning and preparing cocaine.

The microwave ovens were used not only to process cocaine, but also to transport the drug discreetly.

After months of investigation, house raids were carried out on September 5, 2024. In Geuzenstraat and Linter, police uncovered two drug labs where cocaine was washed, cleaned and compressed. More than 1,400 liters of chemicals, 10 kilograms of cocaine and 23 kilograms of cannabis were seized.

3.1 million euros confiscated

In addition, investigators found money-counting machines, mobile phones and extensive accounting records belonging to the drug organization. These revealed that the gang had traded nearly 191 kilograms of cannabis and approximately 7 tons of cocaine, generating an estimated turnover of 147 million euros. Although all of the defendants denied any involvement and sought acquittal, they were ultimately sentenced at the end of June to prison terms ranging from 40 months to six years.

The court also said that more than 3.1 million euros in criminal assets had been confiscated. The harshest sentence was for Arbri C. (35), who, according to the court, played a leading role. He maintained contacts, supervised the various sites and ran the organization, although he himself also took instructions from above. He was sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 48,000 euros. Arban D. (33), who paid most of the lease contracts for the properties used, was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 40,000 euros.