Benelux, police cooperation, Safety

Operation Etoile reaches record level: more than 3,000 vehicles and 89 trains checked

04 Oct. 2026

During the international control operation Etoile, police and customs authorities from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France carried out a record number of inspections in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking. In Belgium, 3,135 vehicles and 89 trains were checked, the highest figures ever recorded for this operation.

The action took place within the framework of the Hazeldonk cooperation, through which the Benelux countries and France jointly combat criminal drug distribution networks. As a result of the intensive controls, 42 people were arrested in Belgium, 44 vehicles were seized, and significant quantities of drugs, weapons and nearly €70,000 in cash were confiscated.

Notable seizures included 1.479 kilograms of cocaine, 519 grams of heroin, more than 6 kilograms of marijuana, and several large cash amounts linked to criminal activities.

The operation once again demonstrates that cross-border crime can only be tackled effectively through close international cooperation. These joint actions are also made possible by the Benelux Police Treaty, which strengthens operational cooperation and information exchange between police services across borders.