Customs officer accused of drug trafficking, money laundering

A customs officer at the port of Rotterdam was arrested early this month on suspicion of corruption, leaking confidential information, involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering, the Public Prosecutor announced on Wednesday. The Prosecutor believes that this customs officer was involved in drug trafficking for many years. In return for payment he ensured that certain drug-containing containers were not searched or checked. The amount of money he earned with this operation is still under investigation, but the Prosecutor believes that it amounts to hundreds of thousands of euros. His wife is suspected of money laundering. This is not the first Rotterdam customs officer to be suspected of corruption. About a year ago Gerrit G. was arrested, also on suspicion of drug trafficking and money laundering. Sources at customs told newspaper AD that Gerrit G. and this newly arrested officer worked together in the pre-arrival department - the department where containers are selected for examination. The prosecutor would not confirm this.