Othman El Ballouti: Interpol's most wanted drug kingpin arrested in Dubai
Sanctioned by the US, the trafficker now faces extradition proceedings to Belgium
Dubai Police have successfully apprehended Othman El Ballouti, one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers.
A Belgian national, El Ballouti had long been evading authorities for his alleged role in running a transnational organised crime syndicate. He is accused of smuggling vast quantities of cocaine through the Port of Antwerp, a key European entry point for South American narcotics.
His capture follows an international arrest warrant issued by Belgian authorities, prompting cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
El Ballouti, whose name appears on both INTERPOL’s Red Notice and Europol’s database, was arrested by Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation. The arrest was executed with the collaboration of the UAE Ministry of Interior, following a request processed by the UAE Ministry of Justice’s International Cooperation Department.
. @DubaiPoliceHQ arrest internationally wanted drug trafficker Othman El Ballouti. #Dubai Police reaffirmed their commitment to global collaboration in combating transnational organised crime, strengthening international partnerships, and sharing expertise to ensure the safety… pic.twitter.com/0pJv8GGpP7
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 9, 2024
The Belgian drug lord is accused of not only overseeing large-scale drug trafficking operations but also managing money-laundering networks linked to criminal syndicates across Europe and South America. The US Treasury Department had previously sanctioned El Ballouti for his involvement in these illicit activities.
After his arrest, El Ballouti has been handed over to Dubai’s Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings, including extradition to Belgium. His capture underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to global law enforcement collaboration and their ongoing efforts to combat organised crime. It also highlights the strengthening of cross-border security networks to ensure the safety of global communities.