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.

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According to the court’s ruling, Pelaj was convicted over the assault on an elderly woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, who was under the care of the institution where she worked.

Judge Alan Taranis said that the defendant, taking advantage of her position as a nurse and being aware of the victim’s vulnerable condition, grabbed the woman by both hands, restricted her ability to defend herself, pinned her against the wall, and struck her several times with slaps to the face.

The court ruled that the time Pelaj spent in pre-trial detention, from November 2 to 24, 2022, will be counted toward the 2-year-and-3-month sentence. The remaining part of the sentence will be served after the ruling becomes final.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court also imposed the supplementary measure of banning her from practicing the nursing profession for five years, a period that will begin once the verdict becomes final.

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