In this file photo, Frankfurt's Daichi Kamada, left, goes up against Royal Antwerp's Radja Nainggolan during the Europa League Group D soccer match between Royal Antwerp and Frankfurt at the Bosuil Stadium in Deurne, Belgium. (AP)

BRUSSELS, Jan 27, (AP): Former Belgium international Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office said.

Brussels federal police carried out thirty searches on Monday morning, mainly in the province of Antwerp and in and around Brussels as part of the investigation.

The Brussels public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the soccer player was "deprived of his liberty in connection with this case.”

The probe focuses on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium, the office said.

After several months without a club, Nainggolan came out of retirement to play second-tier Belgian side Lokeren-Temse. He celebrated his debut with a goal straight from a corner kick last weekend.

His new team said in a statement that it only found out about his arrest from media reports.

"The club respects the presumption of innocence and therefore cannot comment further,” it said. "We can only confirm that the player was absent from training this morning. The club will continue to focus on tomorrow’s crucial league match against KAS Eupen. Radja Nainggolan is not eligible to play in that match anyway.”

The 36-year-old Nainggolan has made 30 appearances for Belgium but has not played for the Red Devils since March 2018.

Known for his fiery character, the central midfielder spent most of his career in Italy, notably playing for Roma and Inter Milan.