In a shocking turn of events, former Belgian international Radja Nainggolan was arrested on Monday as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking via the port of Antwerp. The Brussels prosecutor’s office confirmed that police arrested several suspects, including the 36-year-old footballer, after conducting a series of morning raids across the country.
According to prosecutors, the investigation concerns the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe through the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium ¹. Nainggolan, who was born in Antwerp, had recently come out of retirement to join a lower-tier Belgian side, Lokeren, after playing for Italian teams Cagliari, Inter Milan, and Roma .
The midfielder marked his debut with a goal at the weekend in Lokeren’s 1-1 home draw to K. Lierse. However, his football career has been marred by controversy, including a suspension for smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench in 2022.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been made public. The arrest of Nainggolan has sent shockwaves through the football community, and fans are eagerly awaiting more information about the case.
