BELGIUM, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian diaspora Radja Nainggolan, a former football player for Bhayangkara FC, was arrested by Belgian authorities on January 27, 2025, in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation.

Nainggolan, who has been a prominent figure in Belgian football, was reportedly involved in a larger smuggling operation, which saw cocaine being trafficked from South America to Europe.

The arrest followed a series of raids conducted by federal police in Brussels and Antwerp. A total of 30 locations were searched as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal drug trade. The Belgian prosecution office confirmed that the inquiry focuses on the alleged importation of cocaine through the Antwerp port, which is one of Europe’s largest.

Nainggolan, who is 36 years old, was detained during the raids. He is currently undergoing questioning, although no further statements have been made by the authorities due to the ongoing investigation. The Belgian public prosecutor’s office issued a statement that, in respect of Nainggolan’s presumption of innocence, no additional comments would be provided at this stage.

The case is part of a broader investigation into a network that is believed to have facilitated the transport of large quantities of cocaine from South America, which were then distributed throughout Belgium. Authorities are focusing their efforts on uncovering the full extent of the operation, including the identities of all involved parties.

Radja Nainggolan’s arrest came as a shock to many, especially as he had only recently made headlines for signing a contract with Lokeren-Temse, a second-division Belgian football club. This contract marked his return to playing in Belgium after brief, unsuccessful stints at SPAL in Italy and Bhayangkara in Indonesia.

Nainggolan had been a well-known player in the Belgian national team before his recent decline in performance. His legal troubles now overshadow his professional football career, with many fans expressing disbelief at the news of his arrest.

As the investigation continues, Nainggolan’s involvement remains unclear, and the authorities have stressed the importance of respecting due process. No one has been convicted yet, and the footballer has yet to make any public statements regarding the allegations.

The case is a significant development in Belgium’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, with the Antwerp port being a key point of entry for narcotics into Europe. Authorities have pledged to continue their efforts to dismantle the international drug trade and ensure that those involved face justice. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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