Police, Safety

Major drug seizure during international police operation

08 Jun. 2025

During the third Etoile operation of this year, police and customs officials seized large quantities of drugs between June 2 and June 8. This cross-border operation in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France resulted in the confiscation of significant amounts of ketamine and cocaine.

In Belgium, 1,436 individuals and 820 vehicles were checked. Ninety-five people were found in possession of drugs, and twelve were under the influence. Seventeen individuals were arrested.

Notable arrests:

Three Dutch nationals were arrested after the driver spontaneously offered cannabis during a check, leading officers to discover 10 kilos of ketamine in their rental car.

A driver with false documents was found to be transporting 9 kilos of cocaine.

In the Netherlands, a Belgian national was arrested with 40 kilos of ketamine in his rental vehicle.

The Etoile operations are part of the Hazeldonk cooperation initiative aimed at dismantling international drug distribution networks. This collaboration has been made possible in part by the renewed Benelux Police Treaty, which has been in effect since October 2023 and facilitates cross-border cooperation among police forces in the three countries.