Belgian authorities have seized around 70 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard a bulk carrier arriving from South America at the port of Ghent, officials said on Friday.
The drugs were discovered during a targeted inspection by the Federal Judicial Police (FGP) of East Flanders, Maritime Police, and customs officials.
Officers found two bags containing 58 packages of cocaine while unloading a cargo hold filled with coal. The shipment has an estimated street value of €3.5 million.
Prosecutors in East Flanders have opened an investigation into the criminal network behind the smuggling attempt.
Authorities said the case highlights the growing use of alternative trafficking routes, as smugglers seek to bypass major ports. Bulk cargo shipments present particular challenges, as concealed contraband is harder to detect than in container traffic, and inspections often rely on manpower and random checks rather than scanning technology.
