The ex-footballer was arrested following police raids linked to cocaine trafficking.

Radja Nainggolan, the 36-year-old former Belgium international, was detained by Belgian authorities as part of an ongoing investigation into a cocaine trafficking network. The arrest occurred on Monday morning, following coordinated raids across several locations in the country.

According to a statement from the Brussels prosecutor’s office, the investigation is focused on the alleged smuggling of cocaine from South America into Europe through the port of Antwerp, with the drugs subsequently distributed within Belgium. Further details have not yet been disclosed.

The arrest comes just days after Nainggolan ended his brief retirement, signing with Lokeren in the Belgian second division. He marked his return with a goal on debut, helping his team secure a 1-1 draw at home against K. Lierse.

Born in Antwerp, Nainggolan spent much of his playing career in Italy, with notable stints at Roma and Inter Milan. Between 2009 and 2018, he earned 30 caps for the Belgium national team.