Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of a police investigation into cocaine trafficking. The 36-year-old former international was among several individuals detained by Belgian authorities during a series of raids across the country on Monday morning.
“The investigation concerns alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution within Belgium,” said the Brussels prosecutor’s office in a statement. No additional details have been provided regarding the case.
Nainggolan’s arrest comes just six days after he ended his retirement and signed with Lokeren in the Belgian second division. He marked his return to professional football with a goal on debut, securing a 1-1 draw for his team in a home match against K. Lierse.
A native of Antwerp, Nainggolan spent much of his career in Italy, playing for top clubs Roma and Inter Milan. He also earned 30 caps for the Belgium national team between 2009 and 2018.
