Radja Nainggolan BelgiumGetty
Chris Burton

Belgian icon & ex-Inter star Radja Nainggolan arrested in cocaine trafficking investigation one week after coming out of retirement for second-tier side Lokeren

Former Inter and Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan has reportedly been arrested as part of a cocaine trafficking investigation.

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  • Midfielder playing again in his homeland
  • Forged reputation during time in Italy
  • Reportedly caught up in police raids
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  • Radja Nainggolan InterGetty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The BBC are among those to report that the 36-year-old was "one of several suspects apprehended by Belgian police" following a "series of raids carried out across the country". Said mission is intended to identify those responsible for brining illegal drugs into the European nation.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A statement relating to the case made by the Brussels prosecutor’s office reads: "The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium."

  • Radja Nainggolan LokerenGetty

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Nainggolan allegedly forms part of that process, having been taken into custody, just a week after coming out of retirement to sign for Belgian second-tier outfit Lokeren. He scored on debut for them in a 1-1 draw with K. Lierse.

  • WHAT NEXT?

    Nainggolan, who has 30 senior caps for Belgium, spent just one full season in his homeland at the height of his career. The Antwerp native forged his reputation as an all-action midfielder in Italy while turning out for the likes of Piacenza, Cagliari, Roma and Inter.