Police arrest 21 suspects over drug trafficking network at Brussels Airport

A major investigation into an international drug trafficking network allegedly using Brussels Airport to smuggle cocaine and cannabis has resulted in 21 arrests, including 19 people from Belgium.

Seventeen alleged members of a criminal organisation were remanded in custody, the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor's office confirmed on Saturday, according to Het Nieuwsblad.

The large-scale investigation into the drug smuggling network included the discovery that airport employees were allegedly recruited to remove drugs from suitcases before they reached the baggage carousel at the Zaventem airport.

It was in February 2025 that the investigation was launched after police found around 30 kilograms of cocaine in an unattended sports bag following a flight from Cancun in Mexico.

It emerged that the criminal organisation routinely had drug couriers travel with the drugs, reports RTBF. On arrival, they never collected the suitcases so they could pass through security checks undetected.

Their illicit luggage was retrieved by “extractors,” individuals who were mostly recruited online. They booked cheap, last-minute flight tickets, which allowed them to enter the arrival hall where they picked up the luggage before transporting it to specific locations near the airport.

Investigators later found that airport employees were used to take the drugs out of the luggage and smuggle them out without security checks.  

Finally, following months of intensive investigation, a series of raids was launched across Belgium, France and the Netherlands on 30 September.

In addition to the arrests, authorities  seized more than €57,000 in cash, cryptocurrency, eight vehicles, jewellery, a luxury watch, a banknote-counting machine and several weapons.

The investigation, involving Belgian, French and Dutch authorities, along with Europol and Eurojust, is ongoing.

Photo: ©Brussels Airport