Footballer Radja Nainggolan arrested in Antwerp drug smuggling investigation

Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine smuggling through the port of Antwerp. Federal police conducted around 30 searches in Brussels and Antwerp on Monday morning in connection with the case.

The Brussels prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation focused on the suspected import of cocaine from South America to the port of Antwerp and the distribution of the drugs within Belgium.

Nainggolan, who was among those detained during the raids, is currently being questioned. “As the interrogations are still ongoing, and in respect of the presumption of innocence, no further comments will be made at this stage,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Surprise move

The 36-year-old former Belgian international surprised many last week by signing with second-division club Lokeren-Temse. Following his time at Royal Antwerp in 2021, Nainggolan had brief and unsuccessful appearances at Italian club SPAL and Bhayangkara in Indonesia. His transfer to Lokeren-Temse marked an unexpected return to Belgian football. ​ 

Nainggolan was expected to attend training on Monday afternoon, but the session will now take place without him. Officials at Lokeren-Temse expressed their surprise at the news.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Radja Nainggolan © BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}