Seven Dutch nationals arrested in Antwerp port for attempted drug smuggling

Seven Dutch nationals, including two minors, were arrested Thursday night in the Port of Antwerp in connection with an attempted drug smuggling operation. Belgian authorities confirmed the arrests at three drug-sensitive docks in the busy port, as reported by Gazet van Antwerpen.

The five adult suspects have been referred to an investigative judge, who will determine whether they will be further detained. The two minors will appear before a juvenile judge. It is not yet clear if any drugs were found during the arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Three of the suspects were apprehended at Dock 614, while two others were arrested at the Medrepair depot. Another two suspects were caught at Dock 198, according to the Antwerp public prosecutor's office.

This incident follows a similar case last week in which the port's maritime police and customs officers caught seven other suspects attempting to smuggle drugs. On Wednesday night, three men were arrested after trying to climb a fence at Dock 198. Local Investigations revealed they may have been searching for a shipment of cocaine previously seized in Panama.