3,000 kilograms of cocaine found in telescopic crane in Moerdijk, three arrested

Three men have been arrested following a large-scale investigation and the discovery of 3,000 kilos of cocaine in Moerdijk. The drugs were found in a large telescopic crane that was imported via the port of Antwerp last week. The cocaine has a street value of 220 million euros, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) reports.

The Seaport Police of Zeeland-West Brabant had launched an investigation into suspicious situations at a company in Moerdijk that imports heavy equipment from South America to the Netherlands. The crane arrived there last week.

The police discovered the drugs in that crane on Friday. Shortly after, three men were arrested on the spot: a 64-year-old man from Oosterhout, a 43-year-old man from Westmaas, and a 32-year-old man from Cambodia. Among them is the owner of the company.

During the investigation, two business premises in the port area and two houses in Oosterhout and Westmaas were searched. The police found a firearm and ammunition there. One of the suspects had 20,000 euros in cash with him. The cocaine has since been destroyed.

According to the OM, the suspects are in custody and will be questioned and brought before the examining magistrate.