Liège cannabis plantation dismantled following armed rip deal investigation

An investigation into an armed ‘rip deal’ at a cannabis plantation in Liège has led to multiple arrests and the dismantling of a large-scale drug operation. The investigation began following a police check on December 31, 2025, where officers intercepted a vehicle containing two Dutch nationals from The Hague and Delft, a Belgian national, and various items including ammunition, pepper spray, a telescopic baton, and mobile phones.

Further police work linked the suspects to an armed robbery at a cannabis plantation in the province of Liège. In March 2026, authorities arrested two additional suspects from Beverlo, one of whom allegedly provided a residence to store stolen cannabis and another suspected of involvement in the robbery itself.

On March 20, 2026, a search of the site of the original robbery uncovered and dismantled an active cannabis plantation containing approximately 1,600 plants. Several suspects remain in custody as investigations into the logistical support of the armed robbery continue.