“The man around whom the file is played is currently in pre-trial detention in another court regarding organizing the smuggling of drugs through the port of Antwerp,” says Kristof Aerts of the public prosecutor’s office. “This judicial investigation was launched, under information that the thirty-year-old would be able to continue his activities from his cell. The investigators discover that he handed out his assignments and directed his co-defendants with a smuggled mobile phone.”

A total of 13 house searches were carried out: 11 in the Antwerp district, including Aartselaar, Antwerp, Berchem, Hove, Kontich and Wilrijk, 1 house search in Sint-Niklaas and 1 in Heusden-Zolder. In the end there were 7 people. Two women between the ages of 26 and 58 and five men between the ages of 21 and 67. Some co-defendants belong to the main suspect.

“The FGP was able to seize 400,600 euros in cash, jewelry, luxury watches, two vehicles and two historic weapons,” it said. “A boat was seized in the harbor of Blankenberge, which may have been used to recover drop off loads at sea. A cell phone was found in the cell of the main suspect that was hidden in a DVD player.”

6 people were subsequently placed under arrest by the investigating judge. The judicial investigation continues. For the intervention, the help of the DSU, drug dog handlers, Antwerp Police Zone, CIK, customs and 11 Battalion Genie Burcht was also called upon.

Yannick W., the leader of the Vuitton drug gang, regularly came into contact with the court. At the end of 2020, he was arrested near Spanish Malaga on suspicion of importing tons of cocaine through the port of Antwerp.

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