Former Belgium international footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America.

The 36-year-old, known for his fiery presence in midfield, was apprehended by Belgian authorities on Monday morning following a series of police raids in the provinces of Antwerp and around Brussels.

The investigation centers on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America through the Port of Antwerp, a key European entry point, with the drugs reportedly being redistributed throughout Belgium. Nainggolan, who had only recently made headlines for coming out of retirement to play for Belgian second-tier club Lokeren, was taken into custody in connection with the case, according to Belgium’s public prosecutor’s office.

News of the arrest reached Lokeren through media reports, as the club confirmed they were not notified in advance. Nainggolan had scored on his debut for Lokeren last weekend, marking a dramatic return to the pitch.

Born in Antwerp, Nainggolan spent the majority of his playing years in Italy with Piacenza, Cagliari, AS Roma and Inter Milan. The central midfielder also featured for the Belgium national team, making 30 appearances between 2006 and 2018. Known for his tenacity and work rate, Nainggolan was an integral part of the Belgian “Golden Generation,” playing in major international tournaments like the Euros and FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football in 2018 following his omission from Roberto Martinez’s initial 28-man Belgium World Cup squad.