"Lucky" network dismantled in Borinage: two leaders sentenced to three years in prison
The Mons correctional court has sentenced the two leaders of the "Lucky" drug trafficking network to three years in prison and €24,000 in fines.
Drug trafficking in Borinage: heads of "Lucky" network sentenced to three years in prison
The Mons correctional court has delivered its ruling in the case of the "Lucky" network, which was active in drug trafficking in Borinage. According to DHnet, the two men identified as leaders of the organisation have been sentenced to three years in prison, with probationary suspension for the portion exceeding their pre-trial detention. Each also faces a fine of €24,000, half of which is subject to suspension.
The other defendants have been given sentences of one year in prison with suspension or 180 hours of community service. Two vehicles were also seized by the courts.
A Mini Cooper without number plates at the origin of the investigation
The case began on 15 February 2025, on rue Alphonse Brenez in Wasmes. Residents alerted the authorities after noticing a Mini Cooper that had been parked for a long time with the engine running. Inside, a young man barely 20 years old was asleep at the wheel. The vehicle bore no number plates.
Police officers quickly discovered cannabis resin and cannabis in the vehicle. A search of the driver revealed roughly 40 grammes of cocaine hidden in his underwear. Two stolen number plates, two mobile phones, four SIM cards, two additional cocaine pellets and €665 in small denominations completed the seizure.
Placed under arrest warrant, the young man initially denied any involvement in organised trafficking, before admitting the facts while claiming to have acted alone.
The investigation expands ten days later
Ten days after this initial arrest, a rental Citroën attempted to evade a police checkpoint, committing multiple traffic violations. On board were two men whose genetic profiles had already been found in the Mini Cooper.
According to the public prosecutor, these young people, barely twenty years old, were already selling drugs when they were still minors. The network's revenue was estimated at €2.5 million.
An organisation structured around logistics
Two individuals ensured the direction of the network, while other defendants took charge of logistics: rental cars, mobile phones, accommodation for dealers. Some members were paid directly in drugs and were considered by the court to be mere operatives.
This ruling was delivered by the vacation chamber, before the new Penal Code came into effect.
Source: DHnet