Albanian gang in Belgium sentenced for trafficking 7 tons of cocaine

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

The court also ordered the confiscation of over 3.1 million euros in assets of criminal origin.

By  Nette Loots,  NIEUWSBLAD

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. Two addresses on the Lambermontstraat and Geuzenstraat streets in Antwerp were also mentioned.

During a search of the BMW, police discovered a modified microwave oven, inside which over 2.2 kilograms of cocaine were hidden.

After this, investigators began to monitor seven locations: five in Antwerp, one in Brasshaat and one in Linter (Flemish Brabant province). During the monitoring, eight suspects were identified, who were seen several times transporting boxes and bags of chemical substances.

At a facility on Geuzenstraat, police found six garbage bags with almost 50 empty cans of products used for washing, cleaning and processing cocaine. The microwave ovens were not only used to process the drug, but also to transport it invisibly.

After several months of investigation, on September 5, 2024, searches were carried out in apartments and buildings. In Geuzenstraat and in Linter, the police discovered two drug laboratories, where cocaine was washed, cleaned and pressed. The following were seized: over 1,400 liters of chemical substances, 10 kilograms of cocaine, 23 kilograms of cannabis.

3.1 million euros confiscated

Investigators also found money counting machines, mobile phones and a detailed accounting of the criminal organization. The documents showed that the gang had trafficked almost 191 kilograms of cannabis and around 7 tons of cocaine, with an estimated turnover of 147 million euros.

Although all defendants denied involvement and pleaded not guilty, in late June they were sentenced to 40 months to 6 years in prison. The court also ordered the confiscation of over 3.1 million euros in criminal assets.

The most severe sentence was given to Arbri C. (35), who according to the court had a leading role in the organization. He maintained contacts, supervised the various locations and directed the group's activities, although he himself received instructions from people higher up in the hierarchy. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison and a 48,000 euro fine.

Arban D. (33), who paid most of the rent for the facilities used by the organization, was sentenced to 5 years in prison and a 40,000 euro fine.