Drug bust leads to closure of Kerk-Avezaath storage unit in Buren
A storage unit in Kerk-Avezaath has been sealed off after police discovered a large quantity of soft drugs. Residents and business owners are urged to stay vigilant as authorities crack down on criminal misuse of storage spaces in Buren.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Burensedijk, Kerk-Avezaath, municipality of Buren |
| Date of Closure | March 19, 2026 |
| Reason for Closure | Discovery of a large quantity of soft drugs |
| Duration of Closure | 3 months |
| Legal Basis | Opium Act |
| Number of Inspections | Approximately 200 storage units across five locations |
| Reporting Hotline | Police: 0900-8844, Anonymous: 0800-7000 or www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl |
| Emergency Number | 112 |
The municipality of Buren, led by Mayor Ostendorp, is responsible for maintaining public order and safety within its jurisdiction. Under the Opium Act, local authorities have the power to close premises involved in drug-related crimes to prevent further misuse and protect the community.
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Mayor Ostendorp closes storage unit after drug discovery
On the orders of Mayor Ostendorp of the municipality of Buren, a storage unit on Burensedijk in Kerk-Avezaath has been temporarily closed as of Thursday, March 19. A large quantity of soft drugs was found in the unit following a police operation. The police have seized the illegal substances. The unit has now been closed under the Opium Act, halting any criminal misuse and giving the owner grounds to terminate the rental agreement with the tenant. For the next three months, no one will be permitted to access the storage unit. The unit will be visibly sealed, and police and enforcement officers will conduct regular checks. Mayor Ostendorp stated: “The misuse of these storage units for criminal activities can pose significant risks and cause considerable nuisance. By closing this unit, we are restoring public order and safety and demonstrating that we do not tolerate drug trafficking and crime in the municipality of Buren.”
Comprehensive inspections
Under the supervision of the Intervention Team De Waarden (IDW), multiple storage locations in the municipality of Buren have been inspected in recent weeks. The aim of these inspections is to gain insight into the use of storage units. The inspection team also focused on hazardous situations, such as the storage of narcotic substances, flammable materials, or illegal fireworks. In total, approximately 200 storage units were inspected across five different locations.
Precautionary measures
The inspections also aim to work with business owners to explore how they can best protect themselves against undermining criminal activity. Following the discovery, the IDW also visited the location in Kerk-Avezaath. It became clear that the owner had already taken demonstrable measures to prevent crime. Despite these precautions, criminals had still managed to use the storage unit for illicit activities. The intervention team, together with the owner, has made additional agreements. Only by remaining vigilant as residents, business owners, and authorities can we combat this type of crime.
A resilient sector
Creating a resilient sector requires a collective effort. Signals from business owners and residents are crucial in this regard. They serve as the eyes and ears of the community, and their vigilance enables us to better tackle organized crime. Do you suspect criminal activity or undermining? You can report this to the police at 0900 – 8844. You can also report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 – 7000 or www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl. In case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, always call emergency services at 112.