During the searches, more than 300 kilos of cocaine were seized, as well as four firearms, thousands of euros in cash and numerous telephones and equipment.
The investigation started last summer after a report of suspicious activities involving cars with foreign license plates in Torhout. The report to the local Kouter police zone led to further investigation by the FGP West Flanders. It soon turned out that it was a criminal gang with a home base in the Brussels region. The West Flanders public prosecutor’s office was informed and requested the investigating judge in Ypres, who led the further investigation.
All eleven suspects, mainly Albanians between the ages of 25 and 35, have been arrested by the investigating judge. Seven appeared before the council chamber today, the remaining four will follow on Tuesday.