Belgian footballer, Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking.
The 36-year-old was one of several suspects apprehended by Belgian police on Monday morning, after a series of raids were carried out across the country.
“The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium,” the Brussels prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
During the searches, police officers seized more than 370,000 euros ($389.000) in cash, several luxury watches — including two with a value of 360,000 euros each — jewelry, and a hundred gold coins worth more than 116,000 euros. Investigators also found two bulletproof vests and three firearms.
The arrest comes just six days after Nainggolan came out of retirement to sign for Lokeren in the Belgian second division.
He scored on his debut, giving his side a point in their 1-1 home draw to K. Lierse.
Born in Antwerp, the midfielder spent most of his career in Italy, playing for both Roma and Inter Milan.
Between 2009 and 2018, he made 30 appearances for the Belgium national team.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
