In brief
Radja Nainggolan, the 36-year-old Belgian football midfielder, has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation that spans multiple locations in Belgium. Just days after his return to football with Lokeren, Nainggolan's arrest highlights serious allegations regarding drug importation from South America through Antwerp.
Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been taken into custody amid a cocaine trafficking investigation led by Belgian authorities. The arrest took place on Monday as part of a coordinated effort involving multiple police raids throughout the country. According to a statement from the Brussels prosecutor's office, the investigation focuses on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America into Europe, specifically via the port of Antwerp, with plans for redistribution within Belgium.Details surrounding the operation remain sparse, as the authorities have not disclosed further information following the arrests. Notably, this event comes shortly after Nainggolan made headlines for returning to professional football, having signed with Lokeren in the Belgian second division just six days earlier. He even marked his comeback with a goal in his debut match, contributing to a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse.Nainggolan, who was born in Antwerp, is well-known for his lengthy career in Italy where he played for major clubs such as AS Roma and Inter Milan. He also represented the Belgium national team between 2009 and 2018, earning 30 caps. This shocking arrest casts a shadow over his recent sporting achievements and raises significant questions about the implications for both his career and personal life.
