Forty-two house searches in Charleroi and two others in Liège led to the arrest of several dozen people in illegal residence in the largest police operation of the Federal Judicial Police of Charleroi. Six hundred officers were deployed in the field. “There was reinforcement from police officers from Eupen, Brussels and special units. We managed to execute all search warrants while ensuring the safety of our men and suspects. It was one of the largest operations in Wallonia in years,” said Eric Snoeck, Director General of the Federal Judicial Police.
The research led to the discovery of twelve cannabis plantations, including ten in Charleroi. “Twenty-two suspects have been arrested for criminal organization, cultivation and possession of cannabis. Possession of weapons was also detained against some, ”said Crown Prosecutor Vincent Fiasse. Ten suspects appeared before the Charleroi council chamber on Friday, the twelve others appear on Tuesday. There were also 17 administrative measures of removal for illegal residence in the country.
More than 100,000 euros in cash was seized in addition to several tens of kilograms of cannabis flowers and luxury products, including fourteen vehicles, some of which were very expensive. “The investigation is continuing. Major resources have been deployed and the results are impressive,” said the Charleroi public prosecutor’s office.