Some 545 kg of the powerful synthetic drug crystal meth (also called methamphetamine or 'speed') from the United States was intercepted in Brussels last Thursday, the Federal Judicial Police said on Wednesday.
During an operation coordinated with the Antwerp Federal Judicial Police, customs and civil protection, the Brussels Federal Judicial Police detected a suspicious container bound for a Brussels company.
"The operation took place simultaneously in Genk and Brussels on 18 July. Upon searching the container, officers discovered an industrial magnet weighing several tonnes and containing around 545 kg of crystal meth," the police said. "This represents one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Belgium."
Two suspects were arrested in Genk (Limburg) and Brussels during the police operation, before being placed under arrest. "The investigation has been handed over to an examining magistrate in Brussels, who will examine the evidence and the links between the suspects and the trafficking network."
Also known as 'crystal meth' or 'ICE', methamphetamine holds serious health risks. Besides a strong addiction, single use of methamphetamine can cause problems such as agitation, anxiety, paranoia, an increase in body temperature, convulsions and abnormal heart rhythm.
