Former Belgian international Radja Nainggolan was taken into custody on Monday as part of an investigation related to cocaine trafficking through the port of Antwerp, according to the Brussels prosecutor’s office.
Law enforcement apprehended multiple suspects, including the football player, following a series of morning raids nationwide.
“The probe involves purported incidents of cocaine importation from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its distribution within Belgium,” the prosecutors said in a statement.
Nainggolan,36, was born in Antwerp and recently came out of retirement to join a lower-tier Belgian team, adding a final chapter to a lengthy career during which he played 30 times and netted six goals for the national squad.
After playing for Italian clubs Cagliari, Inter Milan, and Roma, he had been a free agent since last summer before signing with Belgian second-division team Lokeren last week.
He debuted with a goal during Lokeren’s 1-1 home draw against K. Lierse over the weekend. In the summer of 2021, he returned from Italy to Belgium to play for Royal Antwerp.
A few months ago, Belgian media reported that he was suspended for being caught using an electronic cigarette while on the bench.
