A joint police and customs operation across Belgium, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, has netted €75,595 in cash, drugs and weapons, the Belgian federal police said in a statement released on Tuesday.
During the operation, which took place took place from 27 May to 2 June, 1,395 individuals travelling in 986 vehicles, 12 trains, and four buses, were checked; 87 were found to possess drugs while 22 were under the influence.
A variety of substances were confiscated in Belgium, including 5.7 kilogrammes of heroin, 1.2 kgs of cocaine, 303 grammes of cannabis, and 28 ecstasy pills, along with five weapons, in addition to the significant sum in cash.
“The checks also led to the seizure of 18 vehicles and the arrest of 12 persons,” police reported.
Four vehicles equipped with hidden compartments were discovered. One vehicle, empty of any illegal goods, was located near Antwerp and seized under new legislation making possession of such vehicles illegal.
The operation was part of the Hazeldonk Cooperation, which unites the police and customs services of Benelux and France in combating organised drug distribution networks.
"The international collaboration has, once again, been precious, particularly in terms of speed of action," Belgium's federal police commented.
