A former Belgium national team player has been arrested on suspicion of cocaine smuggling.

The 36-year-old player of Lokeren, Radja Nainggolan, has been arrested by the Belgian police on suspicion of cocaine trafficking.

According to the publication Nieuwsblad.be, during operations aimed at uncovering drug traffickers in Antwerp and Brussels, 30 homes were searched.

It is reported that in one of the footballer's vehicles, the police likely found evidence indicating his involvement in the importation of cocaine from South America to Europe.

"We confirm that footballer Radja Nainggolan is currently in temporary detention. We cannot provide any further information as the investigation is ongoing," the Brussels prosecutor's office stated.

Nainggolan was previously involved in a drug-related case in 2016 while playing in Italy.