A 27-year-old man from Bruges, known as Karam B., was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday by the Bruges Correctional Court for cocaine trafficking.
The investigation began based on data from another case involving Bruges-based drug traffickers, who indicated they sourced their cocaine from someone named “Gustavo Kerstman.”
Investigators quickly linked “Gustavo Kerstman” to Karam B., who had been released from prison on 10 July 2023 on electronic monitoring. Upon his release, Karam B. created a Snapchat account under this alias to supply up to a kilogram of cocaine per month to dealers.
On 28 February 2024, an explosion occurred at the front door of his mother’s house, where Karam B. frequently stayed, believed to be a retaliation act according to the prosecution. The drug ring was dismantled four months later, with a search revealing €18,000 in cash.
Prosecutors highlighted that Karam B. had already faced 18 prior convictions. They sought a five-year prison sentence, a €28,000 fine, and the confiscation of €68,000.
The court ultimately sentenced Karam B. to five years in prison, a €12,000 fine, and the confiscation of over €52,000.
His accomplice received a 37-month suspended sentence with conditions. The gang leader’s partner was given a two-year suspended sentence, and his mother received a 12-month suspended sentence. A friend of the partner was also given a suspended sentence.
