Belgium's Landmark Victory Over Drug Networks

A Belgian court has convicted over 100 individuals in a major drug trafficking trial, marking a significant win against organized crime. This crackdown follows the decryption of the Sky ECC service used by traffickers, leading to significant sentences, including up to 17 years for some offenders.

In a sweeping victory for Belgian authorities, a court has sentenced more than 100 individuals involved in a massive drugs trafficking operation. This landmark trial represents a significant blow to drug gangs operating within Europe.

Belgium, a key battleground in Europe's war on drugs, has faced increasing violence blamed on these criminal networks, which have proliferated across the nation. The convictions result from the earlier takedown of the Sky ECC encrypted messaging service, a once-popular tool among traffickers.

Speaking on the milestone verdicts, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden declared it a turning point in the fight against organized crime. The verdicts followed a global effort, including crackdowns by law enforcement agencies like the FBI, to decode the encrypted communications of criminal networks.

(With inputs from agencies.)