The Tongres criminal court sentenced four drug dealers who sold drugs via Snapchat to prison terms ranging from eighteen months to two years and fines of €8,000 each.
A fifth individual from Genk, who acted as a driver, received a sentence of one hundred hours of community service and the same fine.
As part of another drug investigation, investigators examined the mobile phone of a 22-year-old man from Genk early last year, revealing he had arranged drug deals with 249 other Snapchat users. Messages between the Genk resident and ten of these contacts were recovered, showing exchanges of cocaine-related photos and trade messages among four users.
During various raids, authorities seized drugs, cash, and numerous mobile phones, and found a firearm, ammunition, and a rental car at the home of a 24-year-old Genk man. In one vehicle, a drug-sniffing dog detected concealed items, including €225 in cash and a mobile phone hidden in the centre console.
Investigators also identified another 22-year-old man from Genk who admitted to working as a driver for the other four. Several apps on his mobile phone contained directions to buyers’ addresses linked to the other dealers.
According to the court in Tongres, the four individuals from Genk and a 22-year-old man from Bocholt were part of a group selling cocaine and cannabis in and around Genk.
