Accused of drug trafficking, 3 Albanians flee from Belgium

Three Albanians who were due to appear in a Belgian criminal court on Wednesday for their role in a drug case have fled the country and are suspected of being in Albania. They are accused of being members of a well-organized gang that sold drugs in Gent-Zuid.

Their escape cost them the loss of their bail, 10,000 and 8,000 euros respectively. The case began on October 6, 2024, when police stopped a Fiat in Gent-Zuid. A quantity of cannabis and 3,100 euros in cash were found in the car.

During the search of the suspects' phones, investigators also found messages that, according to the investigation, are clearly related to the drug trade. This prompted the prosecutor's office to deepen the investigation. After the search, several apartment searches were carried out.

In a house on Edward Pynaertkaai, investigators found a drug registry, cash and narcotics. Police also made important discoveries at other addresses.

In Oosteeklostraat, 169 grams of cocaine and 4,000 euros in cash were found. In an apartment in Hagelandkaai, a third suspect was found with 119 grams of cocaine. According to the prosecution, this evidence shows that the defendants were part of a structured network that dealt with the sale of drugs. According to the prosecution, the first defendant had a leading role in the organization, while the other two acted as implementers or distributors.

A sentence of 40 months in prison, a fine of 8,000 euros and confiscation of 35,000 euros was requested for the main figure. For the second defendant, 30 months in prison, a fine of 8,000 euros and confiscation of 9,500 euros were requested. The third suspect risks 2 years in prison, a fine of 8,000 euros and confiscation of 1,800 euros.

Since they are back in Albania and did not appear at the hearing, they will lose this amount. The court's decision is expected to be issued on April 22.

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