Benelux, police cooperation, Safety
Second Étoile action of 2026: strong results in the fight against cross-border crime
29 Apr. 2026
From 20 to 26 April 2026, police and customs services from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France jointly carried out the second Étoile action of the year. This coordinated operation, aimed at combating drug distribution networks, once again confirms the importance of cross-border cooperation.
Ms Ariadne Petridis, Secretary-General of the Benelux, carried out a field visit as part of the operation at several locations in the border area between Belgium, Luxembourg and France. This visit took place in the presence, among others, of the Governor of the Province of Luxembourg (BE), the Public Prosecutor and a Deputy Public Prosecutor. The Mayor of the municipality of L’Église and the Director‑Coordinator of the Federal Police of the Province of Luxembourg were also in attendance.
During the action, 2,294 persons and 2,849 vehicles were checked, as well as 11 buses and 104 trains. The checks were carried out on strategic traffic axes and international connections.
The operation led to 45 arrests and the seizure of 31 vehicles. In total, 204 persons were found in possession of prohibited substances and 42 drivers were found to be under the influence of drugs. In addition, 21 weapons, €78,910 in cash and significant quantities of narcotics were seized, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and synthetic drugs.
Several noteworthy incidents were also recorded during the operation. At Brussels-South, the Railway Police intercepted a person internally transporting 70 pellets of narcotics. In another intervention, €28,400 in cash was discovered. Local police zones, including Grimbergen and Lanaken/Maasmechelen, also achieved significant results with the seizure of large quantities of cannabis and related equipment.
The Étoile actions partly rely on the Benelux Police Treaty, which enables close cooperation between the police services of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, notably through joint checks and rapid information exchange.
Results in the Netherlands
During the 2026 ETOILE operation in the Netherlands, 380 persons, 159 cars and 55 trains were checked. These controls resulted in 15 arrests and the identification of 79 persons in possession of narcotics.
The operation led to the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, including nearly 25 kg of cocaine and 4.8 kg of heroin, as well as cannabis products and 14 cannabis plants. In addition, 2,000 cigarettes, approximately 200,000 euros in cash, 10 vehicles and 5 concealed compartments were intercepted. Weapons and an imitation firearm were also found.
Results in France
On the French side as well, the Étoile action yielded tangible results. In total, 4,476 vehicles, 69 lorries and two international rail connections were checked. In addition, 4,848 persons were subjected to control.
The French services carried out five arrests. Sixteen individuals were found to be under the influence of narcotics and five individuals were in possession of illegal substances. During the operation, approximately 24 kilograms of hashish and 11 kilograms of cocaine were seized among others. Weapons, a large quantity of illegal cigarettes and a significant amount of cash were also intercepted.
The results of this second Étoile action confirm the added value of coordinated international operations in the fight against cross-border crime.
