The investigation began in February 2025. At that time, sports bags containing approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine were found at Brussels Airport. They had arrived on a flight from Cancún in Mexico.
The police subsequently spotted a suspicious man in the baggage hall. He had bought a flight ticket but had not boarded a flight. However, his ticket allowed him to enter the baggage hall. The man is now one of the suspects who have been arrested.
Cheap ticket to collect suitcases
According to investigators, the drug gang had couriers fly to Brussels Airport with suitcases full of drugs. Upon arrival, these couriers did not collect their suitcases from the baggage carousel themselves. This meant they did not have to go through security checks with the drugs.
Other people were tasked with collecting the suitcases. They booked a cheap flight at the last minute, but had no intention of travelling. Their ticket allowed them to enter the baggage hall.
The gang mainly recruited these so-called ‘collectors’ via social media. They took the suitcases to an agreed location near the airport.
Dozens of kilograms of drugs intercepted
In April 2025, the first suspect was caught. Customs officers found around 30 kilograms of cannabis in a suitcase from Canada. A few weeks later, another suspect was intercepted with two suitcases. Together, they contained around 55 kilograms of cocaine.
The investigation also led to France and the Netherlands. Consequently, Belgian police collaborated with investigators in both countries, as well as with Europol, the official law enforcement agency of the European Union, and Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, coordinating investigations of serious cross-border crime in Europe and beyond.
Airport staff also enlisted
When several suspects were arrested, the gang changed its approach. According to the investigators, they also enlisted the help of airport staff.
These staff members removed the drugs from the suitcases before they reached the baggage carousel. The empty suitcases were then sent to the baggage hall. The drugs were taken out of the airport by other means.
Some suspects also used false identity documents and travelled under different names. This made the investigation more difficult.
21 suspects arrested
A major police operation took place on 30 September. In Belgium, 19 people were arrested and 21 properties were searched. In France, there were 2 arrests and 6 properties were raided.
Investigators seized more than 57,000 euros in cash, digital wallets containing cryptocurrency, 8 vehicles, jewellery and a luxury watch. They also found a banknote counting machine and various weapons.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators aim to track down all members of the network and also seize the organisation’s money and other assets.
Source: www.vrt.be
