After law enforcement found several sports bags containing 30 kilogrammes of cocaine left behind at Brussels Airport, they began searching for the passenger linked to the bags. Once the suspect was identified, investigators were able to uncover the network behind the cocaine trafficked into Belgium. 

Members of the network would travel from Africa or the Americas with luggage containing narcotics. Another person, usually recruited through social media, would then collect it from the baggage reclaim area. These recruits gained access to the baggage belts by buying cheap last-minute airline tickets. They would then take the luggage to an agreed location, where couriers working for the network would collect the drugs.

During the investigation, Belgian authorities arrested two other suspects who were caught with 55 kilogrammes of cocaine and 30 kilogrammes of cannabis. Meanwhile, it emerged that the network had connections with France and the Netherlands, with members travelling between the three countries. To continue the investigation, share information and evidence, and plan joint actions, a joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust. With the Agency's coordination, the authorities worked together to uncover how the network operated, follow its financial trails and identify suspects. 

On 30 September, a joint action day took place in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Authorities, together with Eurojust and Europol, arrested 21 suspects and carried out 27 searches. More than EUR 57 000 in cash was seized, as well as crypto wallets, 8 vehicles and 2 firearms. Investigations into the network will now continue with the analysis of the evidence seized this week.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• Belgium: Public Prosecutor’s Office Halle-Vilvoorde, Federal Judicial Police 
• France: Investigative Judge – JIRS Paris; Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office – Anti-Organised Crime Section; Central Office Against Drug Trafficking (OFAST)