European authorities dismantle international drug trafficking networks

Authorities in Belgium and France have dismantled significant drug trafficking operations involving international networks. In Belgium, an investigation into a long-running smuggling ring at Brussels Airport led to arrest warrants for 17 suspects. The operation revealed that the criminal organization utilized airport staff from baggage handling subcontractors to intercept narcotics before they reached the luggage carousels. This method was adopted after previous attempts involving ‘extractors’—individuals who purchased cheap flight tickets solely to gain access to the baggage hall—were intercepted.

Simultaneously, French authorities dismantled a drug network operating via the Telegram channel ‘Vanweed’. Following raids near Besançon, police seized approximately 29 kilograms of hashish, 7 kilograms of marijuana, 12 kilograms of ketamine, 24,000 ecstasy pills, and 550 grams of cocaine. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated to exceed 600,000 euros. Four suspects were arrested in France, and two individuals linked to the Belgian airport investigation were also apprehended there. The Vanweed channel, which had roughly 900 subscribers, allowed dealers to offer drugs to customers through relatively shielded online communication.