In an investigation into various drug waste dumpings, the police have arrested a suspect. The 25-year-old man from Groningen is suspected of being involved in drug waste dumpings in Enumatil, Den Horn, and Oostwold between January 7 and November 9, 2024. The investigation, conducted in collaboration between the Environmental Team North Netherlands and the Westerkwartier base team, is led by the Functional Prosecution Service (OM).
Dumpings
The first dumping of which the man is suspected was discovered on Sunday, January 7, on the Kerkeweg in Enumatil. Police officers found several jerrycans filled with an unknown liquid. Advisors on hazardous substances (AGS) from the fire brigade measured the pH level of the liquids in the jerrycans. The pH level indicated drug waste. Barely a day later, the police received a report from a passerby about the Hoendiep in Den Horn. On January 8, 2024, alongside a jerrycan, a centrifuge was also found. On the Hoofdstraat in Oostwold, another dumping was discovered two months later. On Monday, April 10, jerrycans containing dark liquid and two centrifuges were found there. On Saturday, November 9, it happened again, this time on the Kerkeweg in Enumatil. There were jerrycans filled with liquids on the road, and a large blue barrel was found in the ditch. A sweet chemical smell was also detectable around the jerrycans. A typical smell associated with the production of synthetic drugs and drug waste.
Damage
The National Facility for Dismantling has conducted indicative tests on the contents of the jerrycans found at the various dumpings. These tests indicate that it indeed concerns drug waste. The costs for the proper and safe disposal of dumped drug waste can add up significantly. If suspects are caught, these costs can be charged to them. The costs for the four dumpings in Westerkwartier are estimated at around € 35,000.
Moreover, dumping chemical drug waste can lead to significant damage to the environment. For example, when drug waste leaks from jerrycans into water or soil. This is obviously dangerous for nature and the animals that inhabit it, but also for people living nearby or passersby. Therefore, it is important to prevent drug dumpings or to discover them as quickly as possible. Do you see jerrycans, barrels, or large plastic bags lying around? Do you see labels of chemicals? Or do you smell a sweet, anise-like odor? These signals may indicate drug production and the disposal of drug waste. Contact the police at 0900-8844 or report your suspicions anonymously via Meld Misdaad anoniem at 0800-7000.
Witnesses and Reporting
The police tracked down the 25-year-old suspect from Groningen after various (anonymous) reports and information following a witness call. The police are still looking for information about vehicles that may have been used in the dumpings. Witnesses reported seeing a black van at the dumping in Enumatil on Saturday, November 9. If you have more information about the aforementioned dumpings? Do you have more information about vehicles that may have been involved in the dumpings? Or do you suspect someone in your vicinity was involved and the police have not yet spoken to you? Then the police would like to get in touch with you. Call the police at 0900-8844 or contact Meld Misdaad anoniem at 0800-7000.