Former Champions League star Radja Nainggolan arrested for cocaine trafficking

Radja Nainggolan was taken into custody as a result of an investigation into cocaine trafficking. The player was taken into custody Monday morning as part of an inquiry into the importation of cocaine from South America to Europe through the port of Antwerp. The player presently plays for the Belgian team Lokeren-Temse.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that about thirty homes were searched in the Antwerp region and the Belgian capital, Brussels, as part of the inquiry. In addition to several other items, Nainggolan's car was towed during the inquiry. "The investigation concerns suspected facts of importing cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp and its redistribution in Belgium. "As the interrogations are currently ongoing, no further comment will be made at this stage," says the Brussels public prosecutor's office.

In the past, Nainggolan has been connected to the smuggling of cocaine. The midfielder's business partner at a private aircraft company was found guilty of transporting drugs for Hezbollah, a terrorist group, according to the reports. More recently, amid Antwerp's nightlife, Nainggolan has been frequently seen with individuals connected to the drug trade.

Radja Nainggolan had a successful playing career at top level

The 36-year-old, who left Belgium at the age of 17 to live in Italy, has had a successful playing career at the top level. Before joining Roma in 2014, he had his big break with Serie A team Cagliari. Nainggolan's greatest years, during which he made over 200 appearances and scored 33 goals, would be spent in the Italian city. 

In the Champions League, he also made 24 appearances for Roma. He made a major transfer to join Inter Milan for 32 million euros in 2018, however, he left the team for two loan stints with his old team Cagliari before going back to Belgium, even though he scored seven goals in 41 appearances.

But in the 2020–21 season, he did win the Serie A championship at the San Siro. Alongside Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne, Nainggolan earned 30 caps as a member of Belgium's golden generation. He joined Lokeren-Temse, a team in the Belgian second tier, last summer.