On Wednesday, February 26, the police received a report of a waste dumping near Emmen. Along the Zandzoom, about 9 jerrycans and barrels were scattered along the road. The barrels were likely dumped on Tuesday evening or during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. That same day, jerrycans were also found in Nieuw-Dordrecht at Eerste Boerwijk Wz. There, more than 10 barrels were also scattered along the road. It is possible that the jerrycans were dumped from a moving vehicle.
Investigation of dumpings
The police have taken samples from the found barrels, and the National Forensic Investigation is investigating the contents. It is likely to be drug waste. Dumping drug waste can be very dangerous for the environment. The ground where drug waste is dumped can become severely contaminated if the liquids leak from the barrels. This can have far-reaching consequences for nature and animals living in the area, as well as for humans. The road at Zandzoom is surrounded by arable land.
Dumping in Erm
Two weeks before the dumpings in Emmen and Nieuw-Dordrecht, a dumping was also discovered in Erm. On Wednesday, February 12, about 20 blue jerrycans were found at Wienbargsteeg. Here too, it was likely drug waste. The police are investigating whether the dumpings in Erm, Emmen, and Nieuw-Dordrecht are related and are therefore looking for information and witnesses.
Information and witnesses
Do you have information about the waste dumpings at Zandzoom in Emmen, Eerste Boerwijk Wz in Nieuw-Dordrecht, or Wienbargsteeg in Erm? Did you possibly see something suspicious? Or an unusual vehicle driving in the area? Or do you have other information that could assist the investigation? The police would like to get in touch with you. This can be done via 0900-8844. You can also provide your information anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800 – 7000 or via meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.
Signs of a drug lab
Drug waste is chemical waste left over after the production of synthetic drugs in illegal drug labs. Drug labs can be very dangerous for the environment. A drug lab can typically be recognized by:
- Taped or blacked-out windows and doors
- A sweet chemical, anise-like smell
- Vehicles coming and going at unusual times
- The presence of jerrycans or barrels
For more information, also check houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl. Do you recognize signs of a drug lab? Contact the police via 0900-8844, or in case of emergency via 112.