Ravels –
Two weeks ago, the federal judicial police in Antwerp found an arsenal containing weapons of war in Weelde, a district of Ravels in the Antwerp Kempen, during several searches. 21 Kalashnikovs were seized. In the further judicial investigation it will be investigated what the weapons were or had to be used for.
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The investigation started on October 5 with the arrest of two French people at a toll plaza in the north of France. “A sports bag with four Kalashnikovs, a firearm, four chargers and 250 rounds was found in their car. The first findings of that French investigation revealed a clear link with our country, after which the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office and the federal judicial police were notified ”, says public prosecutor Kristof Aerts.
This immediately resulted in several searches in two apartments in Weelde and Borgerhout and in a garage box in Weelde. In the garage, 21 Kalashnikovs, six small arms, five pistols, two silencers and a lot of ammunition and chargers were found.
In addition, amounts of cocaine used, a cocaine press, a large bag with mobile phones and SIM cards, 148,850 euros in cash and documents with chemical formulas and container numbers were also found.
“In the meantime, a judicial investigation has been opened for the facts that currently qualify as an association of criminals, violations of the weapons and drugs law and money laundering,” said public prosecutor Kristof Aerts.
Two people of Dutch nationality were arrested during the raids. It concerns a 38-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man. The woman was arrested by the investigating judge and placed under electronic surveillance. That decision was confirmed by the council chamber in Turnhout on October 13. The man was not arrested.
The Laboratory for Technical and Scientific Police (LTWP) has now completed the trace investigation. The analysis of the traces continues. The judicial investigation led by the examining magistrate is further carried out by FGP Antwerp.
