Police carried out 21 house searches across Belgium at the end of January as part of an investigation into cannabis trade. During the action, several people were arrested and 11 cannabis plantations were discovered.
A total of 21 houses in Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders were searched on 28 and 30 January 2025. The searches were part of an investigation by the Drugs section of the Brussels-West police zone into a criminal network involved in the cultivation of and trade in cannabis. Police discovered 11 cannabis plantations with a total capacity of 7,980 plants.
"These are good for an estimated annual harvest of more than 1,050 kilograms, with a market value of approximately €4,200,000," the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office's spokesperson Martin François said.
A total of 19 people were arrested. 16 were brought before the examining magistrate, and 14 of them were placed under arrest. One person was detained in a closed centre for deportation to Albania and another was released.
The Brussels-West police also seized 23 kilograms of cannabis, 654 grams of cocaine, €13,000, five vehicles, a firearm, 28 mobile phones and various forged documents.
Dismantling of major gang
The result cannot be underestimated. "This is a complete dismantling of an Albanian criminal network that was active in our region and throughout the country," François noted.
The Brussels-West police zone opened a file on criminal organisation and gang formation in October 2024 after police sources indicated a Jette resident was involved in the cultivation of and trade in cannabis.
An in-depth investigation, including telephone tapping, on-site observations and analysis of financial flows, revealed the existence of a suspected large-scale, structured criminal organisation, mainly based in Jette and Ganshoren. From here, products are sold locally to customers throughout Belgium.
This led to the uncovering of a network of residential properties which police believed were used to house cannabis plantations. These were located in various Belgian municipalities, including Sint-Genesius-Rode, Lasne, Watermael-Boitsfort, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Mons, Fontaine-l'Evêque, Herent, Gosselies, Rixensart, Bertrix, Soignies and Jette.
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"These properties are mostly located in residential areas, with monthly rents estimated between €1,700 and €2,600. The rental contracts are said to have been systematically drawn up with false identity documents, which would make it easier to conceal criminal activities."
This was followed by the 21 house searches at the end of last month. These aimed to put an end to the activities and collecting additional evidence to identify and arrest all the active members involved.
As the investigation is ongoing, no further comments were made.
