Two Albanians and two Bulgarians were sentenced to prison in Belgium

2024-10-25 17:05:41Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Two Albanians and two Bulgarians were sentenced to prison in Belgium
Illustrative photo

The criminal court of Mechelen in Belgium has sentenced two Albanians and two Bulgarians to 18 months in prison and a fine of 8,000 euros for their involvement in a marijuana plantation in a building on the Nekkerspoelstraat in Mechelen.

On May 22, 2022, the Rivierenland police area received a report of a suspicious vehicle near the Lidl store on Nekkerspoelstraat. The police discreetly monitored the van and found that a short time later the vehicle was headed towards a nearby building. Inspectors saw one man go inside and leave moments later with a second man. They placed several packages in the cargo area of ​​the van. The van was then moved again and all sorts of objects appeared from a flat roof and were loaded into the van.

The police then intervened and the two people driving the van were immediately arrested. The man on the flat roof and another companion fled, but were quickly caught nearby," explained prosecutor Karel Berteloot. "During the arrest of the last two people, the inspectors noticed that they were emitting a smell of marijuana. This was immediately the signal to check the contents of the van. And successfully because all kinds of materials were found that could be used for marijuana plantations. It was clear that things were being dismantled or a marijuana plantation was being moved."

The building itself smelled strongly of marijuana. "It turned out to be a plantation that was ending. 1099 vases were found that could be used to grow marijuana plants," said the prosecutor.

The police established that the electricity was disconnected illegally and that there was a large consumption of water. "It is clear that those involved had only been in Belgium for a short time and may even have only traveled to Belgium for their work at the plantation in Mechelen."

The owner of the building filed a civil lawsuit because the apartment was damaged. So big in fact that renovation work had to be done. Compensation of more than 34,000 euros was awarded. Of the four defendants, only one was represented by a lawyer. The other three did not participate.

The three judges of the criminal court sentenced the four to 18 months in prison and 8,000 euros in fines. The prison sentence for the man who had a lawyer is suspended. He actually has to pay 4000 euros out of the 8000 euros fine.


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