Massive cocaine bust: 3,200 kilos seized in van and hidden press container
A major drug trafficking operation was disrupted in the Netherlands, with over 3,200 kilos of cocaine seized in a van and a press container. Eight suspects are in custody, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat organized crime affecting public safety and the economy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total cocaine seized | 3,223 kilos |
| Initial seizure | 688 kilos in a van near Papendrecht |
| Additional seizure | 2,535 kilos in a press container in Klundert |
| Arrests | 8 men, aged 29–46, from Spain, Bilthoven, Rotterdam, Bergen op Zoom, and Dordrecht |
| Firearms seized | 2 |
| Location | Klundert (warehouse), Papendrecht (van stop), Bergen op Zoom (arrests) |
| Agencies involved | Zeeland-West-Brabant Port Police, Customs, Special Intervention Service (DSI) |
| Date of operation | March 20, 2026 |
The Zeeland-West-Brabant Port Police are responsible for maintaining law and order in port areas, combating drug trafficking, and ensuring the safety of logistics hubs. Their collaboration with Customs and specialized units like the DSI underscores the government's commitment to disrupting organized crime networks.
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Read the full translated article below
Port police seize over 3,200 kilos of cocaine in van and press container
In an ongoing investigation by the Zeeland-West-Brabant Port Police into drug trafficking, cocaine was seized on Friday, March 20, 2026. A total of 3,223 kilos of hard drugs were confiscated. Eight men have been arrested and are in custody.
The Port Police had been monitoring suspicious activity around a warehouse in Klundert since Monday. A large press container was driven onto a truck trailer and parked inside, and in the days that followed, several people were seen entering and leaving the warehouse. Three days later, on Thursday evening, officers followed a van that left the warehouse and pulled it over for inspection near Papendrecht. Police found 688 kilos of cocaine and a firearm hidden in the vehicle. In cooperation with Customs, the drugs were seized.
Special Intervention Service (DSI)
The occupants of the van were immediately arrested. The suspects include a 45-year-old man from Barcelona and a 29-year-old man from Bilthoven. In the same investigation, with the assistance of the Special Intervention Service (DSI), a 44-year-old man from Dordrecht, a 46-year-old man from Rotterdam, and a 39-year-old man from Bergen op Zoom were also arrested. These three arrests took place in Bergen op Zoom. In the warehouse in Klundert, police then located three other suspects and also seized a firearm. These three men have also been taken into custody. They include a 43-year-old man from Rotterdam and two men (aged 31 and 29) with no fixed place of residence.
Dismantling
Given the suspicion that more drugs were hidden in the press container, it was removed from the warehouse for dismantling in another location. Together with Customs, the Port Police found an additional 2,535 kilos of cocaine in multiple sealed compartments within the container. In total, 3,223 kilos of drugs have been seized and have since been destroyed.