Antwerp
Former Belgium star Nainggollan detained in drug smuggling case
Raja Nainggollan was arrested as part of an investigation into drug smuggling through the port of Antwerp. The footballer is in a temporary holding cell, and his club, Lokeren, confirmed that he was absent from training.
Mass riots in Brussels on New Year's Eve: police arrest 159 people
On New Year's Eve, riots broke out in Brussels, during which 60 cars were set on fire and rescuers were attacked. Police detained 159 people and recorded more than 1,700 incidents across the city.
Three Chechens in Belgium accused of preparing a terrorist attack
Belgian authorities have charged three natives of Chechnya with preparing a terrorist attack. The suspects are allegedly affiliated with the Afghan branch of the Islamic State and were detained during a large-scale anti-terrorist operation.
Belgium detains 7 people on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack
Belgian police detained 7 people suspected of planning a terrorist attack. They conducted 14 searches in different cities of the country, and the suspects are accused of terrorism and its financing.
Europol is concerned about the increase in the volume of cocaine supplied to Europe
Europol reports a record increase in cocaine smuggling to Europe, with almost 70% of it being transported through the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam.
The amount of cocaine seized in the port of Hamburg has tripled over the past five years
Over the past five years, the amount of cocaine seized in the port of Hamburg has tripled, making it the third most important port for drug cartels in Europe after Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Iran uses European ports to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah
Iran has used European ports in Belgium, Spain, and Italy to smuggle weapons, including missiles and bombs, to Hezbollah in Lebanon via Syria to avoid Israeli air strikes on Iranian weapons shipments.
Farmers block the border between Belgium and the Netherlands
Farmers in Belgium and the Netherlands are blocking border crossings to protest taxes, rising costs, cheap imports, and bureaucracy that are negatively impacting their industry.