Former Eredivisie defender Zarko G. has been sentenced in Belgium to a five-year suspended prison sentence for large-scale cannabis production, De Telegraaf reported. The Dutch former professional footballer, who played 193 league matches for Fortuna Sittard and also featured for Willem II, must repay half a million euro in illegal profits to the Belgian state alongside his Dutch accomplice, Roel B., who received an identical sentence.

Two Large Cannabis Facilities Discovered in Belgian Luxembourg

The criminal case centers on two major cannabis operations uncovered by police investigations in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. According to court details reported by De Telegraaf, law enforcement raids targeted facilities in Fouches, near Arlon, and Petitvoir, near Neufchâteau. Officers seized 928 plants and 17 kilograms of cannabis at the first location, while a subsequent raid at the second site uncovered another 950 plants, bringing the total count to nearly two thousand cannabis plants. Investigators determined that the operations began in November 2023.

From the Eredivisie to Professional Retirement in 2014

Born in Ruma, Yugoslavia, on June 16, 1983, Zarko G. moved to the Netherlands at a young age and later acquired Dutch citizenship. His playing career spanned several professional clubs primarily in the Netherlands. Beyond his extensive stint at Fortuna Sittard, where he made 193 league appearances, the defender played for Willem II, Helmond Sport, TOP Oss, and had brief spells abroad with English club Blackpool FC and Belgian side KSK Ronse. In total, he scored 33 goals across his career before concluding his playing days at Willem II in 2014, making seven league appearances in his final season before stepping away to focus on a civil career.