After connecting ongoing investigations in Belgium and France through a joint investigation team at Eurojust, a well-organised transnational criminal network was revealed, with some of its key members residing in Brussels. To run their drug trafficking operation, they prepared vehicles equipped with hidden compartments. Drugs were trafficked to Spain and Italy through France.

Through coordination from Eurojust, authorities came together several times at the Agency in The Hague to connect the dots, plan a joint operation to detain members of the group and collect important evidence.

An action day on 9 June resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the seizure of EUR 60 000 in cash, three vehicles, several luxury items, dozens of mobile phones, computers and documents relevant to the investigation in Belgium. The investigation revealed that some of the identified suspects may have left Belgium.

During one of the searches in Belgium, investigators discovered several counterfeit identity documents and stolen documents. A separate case has been opened to further investigate this.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

Belgium: Investigating judge French speaking court of 1st Instance Brussels; Public Prosecution Office Brussels; Federal Judicial Police Brussels

France: Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction of Nancy (JIRS); Special Unit against Organised Crime National Police Metz (DCOS)