In recent months, a total of sixteen suspects have been arrested after a series of violent incidents around Alphen aan den Rijn and Leiden. These included shootings and explosions, and the Public Prosecution Service sees a connection between these cases. Tomorrow, the first two suspects will appear in preliminary hearings at The Hague court.
Between October 10 and 17, there were several violent incidents in Alphen aan den Rijn, Rijnsaterwoude, Leiden, and Valkenburg. Shots were fired at properties, including with automatic weapons, and there were explosions. The Public Prosecution Service sees a link between the targeted properties. An investigation is ongoing to determine the motive and instigators, but this appears to be related to a drug conflict.
The police have now made a total of sixteen arrests across five interrelated cases. Most suspects are considered perpetrators who, according to the Public Prosecution Service, committed violence for payment without being involved in the underlying conflict. Five suspects are seen as brokers, individuals who recruit and direct perpetrators for others.
The suspects appearing in court tomorrow are believed to be involved in an attempted explosion and a shooting in Alphen aan den Rijn.
The incidents
October 10 - Shooting at a house in Alphen aan den Rijn - 3 suspects
On Thursday, October 10, around 17:30, shots were fired with an automatic weapon at a house on Prins Hendrikstraat in Alphen aan den Rijn. A 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old man from Almere and Denekamp were arrested later that day. A 22-year-old man from Almere was also arrested as a broker.
October 10 - Attempted explosion Alphen aan den Rijn - 4 suspects
On the evening of October 10, around 22:30, two suspects aged 16 and 17 from Amsterdam were arrested with an explosive device. They had previously attempted to detonate it at a door.
October 11 - Explosion Rijnsaterwoude - 5 suspects
On October 11, around 17:00, there was an explosion on Visscherspad in Rijnsaterwoude. Five suspects, four of whom are perpetrators and one broker, have been arrested.
October 12 - Shooting at a house in Alphen aan den Rijn - 3 suspects
On October 12, shots were fired at a property on Beukenlaan in Alphen aan den Rijn. Two men aged 20 and 17 from Eindhoven were arrested.
October 15, 16 and 17 - Explosions in Leiden and Valkenburg - 1 suspect
Explosions occurred on October 15 and 16 in Leiden, and on October 17 in Valkenburg. The Public Prosecution Service believes these explosions are linked to other investigations.