Prosecutors have requested lengthy prison sentences, ranging from 8 to 20 years, for dozens of individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that funneled billions of euros worth of cocaine through the port of Antwerp, Belgium. The case, which began in 2019, has exposed a network of criminal organizations collaborating with corrupt port officials and even legal professionals.
The most severe sentence sought is 20 years for Geert Frisson, described as a key figure in the operation. Tom Bastiaanse, who is currently absent from the trial, faces an 18-year sentence request. The extensive investigation began after authorities intercepted a shipment of more than 2,792 kilograms of cocaine hidden within a wood container at the port on October 28, 2019.
Individuals lower in the criminal hierarchy also face significant penalties. N. S., who managed a hospitality establishment in Antwerp used for meetings between criminals, including former police officer Willy Van Mechelen, could receive an 18-year sentence. He allegedly assisted Dutch criminal Jos “Bolle” Leijdekkers in arranging the collection of cocaine from the port. Leijdekkers himself faces a 15-year sentence request.
The four criminal organizations involved reportedly relied on compromised customs officials and port workers to provide inside information and warnings about potential issues. A customs officer, L. V., and a terminal manager are accused of transmitting crucial information to Bastiaanse’s group and could face 8 and 5 years in prison, respectively. A port worker involved in removing cocaine concealed in Scania trucks faces a 10-year sentence request.
The investigation also revealed that two lawyers allegedly became entangled with the drug traffickers. Former lawyer J. E. Arranged a meeting between the Bastiaanse, N.S., and Leijdekkers groups to discuss the defense of four individuals arrested in August 2021 for drug possession. Prosecutors are seeking a three-year sentence for J. E. Another former lawyer, S. E., who previously represented drug baron Lucio Aquino, is also a defendant. He allegedly left prison with a letter containing instructions from Aquino and delivered it to Aquino’s wife and associates, potentially aiding the continuation of criminal activity. Prosecutors are requesting a two-year sentence for S. E.
Authorities are also seeking the confiscation of assets, profits, and real estate totaling an estimated 1.5 billion euros, according to sources. The case highlights the challenges authorities face in combating organized crime and corruption within critical infrastructure like major ports.
With the prosecution completing its case earlier than anticipated, closing arguments are not expected Wednesday. Attorneys for Willy Van Mechelen and others are scheduled to present their arguments Thursday. The investigation uncovered that several tons of drugs, with an approximate value of 3.5 billion euros, were illegally imported into Belgium.
Approximately 50 suspects and several companies are implicated in what authorities are calling the largest drug trafficking case in the history of the Limburg region.
