Belgian Federal Judicial Police have dismantled an alleged criminal network involving Albanian nationals as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking. Eight people were detained during the operation, while four were formally arrested by court order.
The investigation began around a year ago after authorities received information that a large quantity of cocaine could be stored in an apartment in Berchem, Antwerp.
At the center of the investigation was a 48-year-old man suspected of acting as a link between criminal groups in Albania and Latin America. Belgian authorities believe he coordinated the transportation, removal of drugs from the port and their subsequent distribution, including through the Port of Antwerp.
Investigators also suspect that he maintained connections with smuggling groups operating across several European countries and as far as Australia.
According to Antwerp prosecutors, the suspect allegedly arranged different methods for moving narcotics, had access to people who could assist with the operation, including security personnel, and coordinated groups responsible for extracting cocaine from shipments.
During the investigation, authorities identified several teams allegedly involved in removing cocaine from the port. Earlier this year, police seized two shipments containing 46 and 53 kilograms of cocaine.
Wanted in connection with high-profile 1997 murder
The investigation took another turn in June when authorities discovered that the main suspect had been in contact with a 52-year-old Albanian national who was internationally wanted over a murder committed in Italy in 1997.
The man was identified as Gerd Gjinarari, known by the nickname “The General.” He was arrested in Antwerp by the Federal Police FAST team.
Gjinarari is suspected of killing Naim Zyberi in a Milan hospital in 1997. According to the investigation, the shooting was allegedly carried out using a weapon concealed inside a bouquet of flowers, in cooperation with Arben Grori.
Belgian authorities have begun proceedings to extradite him to Italy.
Weapons, ammunition and equipment for counterfeiting
On Wednesday, police carried out searches at several locations across Antwerp and Brussels, including Berchem, Deurne, Kapellen, Evere, Sint-Agatha-Berchem and Sint-Joost-ten-Node.
The searches resulted in the seizure of firearms and ammunition hidden in specially concealed compartments, bulletproof vests, signal-jamming devices, cash, money-counting machines, forged passports and identity cards, as well as press cards.
Investigators also discovered presses and molds allegedly used to produce cocaine bricks.
Eight people were detained during the operation. Six appeared before an investigating judge. Four were ordered into custody, while two others were released, one of them under conditions.
The investigation, led by the Federal Judicial Police in Antwerp under the supervision of an investigating judge, remains ongoing.
The operation involved cooperation with authorities from several countries and Europol. As part of the wider investigation, Albanian authorities also seized 37 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a refrigerated container.
