Belgian footballer detained in cocaine smuggling case

Belgian footballer and former national team midfielder Radja Nainggolan has been detained in connection with a cocaine smuggling case involving shipments from South America through the Port of Antwerp.

Nainggolan is among the suspects apprehended during a major operation in which police conducted 30 searches, Gazet van Antwerpen and Sky Sport Italia publications say citing the Brussels prosecutor's office.

Lokeren-Temse club, for which Nainggolan debuted just three days ago, learned of his detention through the media. The club stated that the player did not attend the morning training session and declined to provide further comments, Nieuwsblad reports.