A large-scale operation against a network of cannabis production and trafficking in Charleroi and Liège resulted in 22 people being arrested.
On Wednesday morning, the federal judicial police of Charleroi (Charleroi FGP) coordinated its largest operation ever in the fight against drug trafficking following a year-long investigation. A total of 600 officers, including from Eupen, Brussels and special units, were deployed in the 44 simultaneous searches.
“Twenty-two suspects were arrested for criminal organisation, cultivation and possession of cannabis. Arms possession was also retained against some,” said public prosecutor Vincent Fiasse.
A collection of boxes containing all the seized goods. Credit: Federal Judicial Police
Ten suspects appeared before the Charleroi chambers on Friday, while the 12 others will appear on Tuesday. There were also 17 "administrative measures of expulsion" for people residing in Belgium illegally.
"We managed to execute all search warrants while ensuring the safety of our officers and suspects. It was one of the biggest operations in years in Wallonia,” said Eric Snoeck, director general of the Federal Judicial Police.
Tons of cash and expensive cars
Aside from the arrests, the investigation also led to the discovery of 12 cannabis plantations, of which 10 were located in Charleroi, amounting to a total of 10,000 cannabis plants being seized.
Finally, a large collection of luxury clothing, bags and watches, more than €100,000 in cash, 14 vehicles — some of which are in the "high and very high price range" — as well as several arms and an assault rifle, were also discovered.
€100,000 in cash, several weapons and luxury goods were also seized. Credit: Federal Judicial Police
In a statement, the Charleroi FGP noted that, unlike many other actions that have been taking place across the country for two years, this one does not stem from information gathered following the decryption of messages sent via SKY ECC. "It does involve the same type of perpetrator groups originating from the Balkans, mainly Albanophones."
The Charleroi public prosecutor’s office confirmed the investigation is continuing. "Major resources have been deployed and the results are worth it.
