Kalashnikov at Midi station: terrorism ruled out, investigation into drugs
A young man from France was arrested with a loaded Kalashnikov at Brussels' Midi station. Authorities rule out terrorist activity and are investigating links to organised crime.
Arrest with Kalashnikov in Brussels — terrorism possibility ruled out
On the morning of Thursday, 3 September, a mixed patrol of police and military arrested a young man aged approximately 20 years at the Midi railway station in Brussels who was carrying a loaded Kalashnikov with approximately 30 rounds in his luggage. As reported by Naftemporiki, citing the Belgian newspaper "Le Soir", authorities now rule out the possibility of a terrorist act.
The suspect had arrived in Brussels by train from France and the arrest was made as part of enhanced checks at Belgium's major railway stations, in which military forces also participate.
The federal judicial police in Brussels are investigating possible connections between the suspect and organised crime networks involved in drug trafficking. According to information cited by "Le Soir", investigations are focused exclusively in this direction.
The suspect was brought before an examining magistrate, whilst the Brussels prosecution requested the issuance of an arrest warrant against him. Prosecutor Gilles Moulin confirmed to Belgian media outlet "Bruzz" that the man was brought before an examining magistrate, refusing to provide further details so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation.
Midi station is one of the most important transport hubs in the Belgian capital, with international railway connections. The arrest comes during a period when Belgian authorities are dealing with increased armed violence attributed to clashes between criminal gangs in the drugs sector. The incident comes days after armed episodes that occurred in late August in Brussels, which authorities link primarily to confrontations between criminal drug trafficking groups.
Source: Naftemporiki