On Friday 4 August, customs officers at the Findel Cargo Centre discovered several irregularities during a routine document check. According to the Luxembourg public prosecutor’s office, the case was only made public now to avoid jeopardising the ongoing investigation. The shipment consisted of three pallets that had arrived on a cargo plane from the United States. Official documents claimed the contents were cotton blankets for a Dutch company. However, due to suspicions, customs officers decided to examine the shipment using a scanner.
Their suspicions were quickly confirmed: 903 vacuum-sealed bags filled with cannabis were found, each containing between 600g and 700g. In total, the drugs weighed approximately 600kg. Toxicological analysis later confirmed the marijuana was of high quality. Police were immediately informed and provided operational support. The packages were seized on the order of the public prosecutor.
As the illicit goods were not destined for Luxembourg, the Belgian and Dutch authorities were involved in the ongoing procedures. On Monday 7 August, the pallets were delivered under police surveillance to their intended address in the Netherlands. The recipient of the drug shipment was caught in the act and arrested. According to the prosecutor’s office, no further information can currently be disclosed to avoid hindering the investigation. However, a first hearing before a Dutch criminal court already took place on Friday 17 November.
