News Release | 22-12-2025 | 17:43
The police seized two large batches of fireworks last week in Zoetermeer and Roelofarendsveen. Four suspects who were arrested have today been brought before the examining magistrate by the Public Prosecution Service.
On Wednesday in Zoetermeer, over 4,000 kilograms of professional fireworks were found in a warehouse on an industrial estate. These fireworks are prohibited for consumers in the Netherlands. They included Roman candles and heavy firecrackers. They were stored in vans parked inside a commercial building, while such fireworks may only be professionally stored in bunkers. Two suspects were arrested: a 37-year-old man from The Hague and a 35-year-old man from Gorinchem. They are suspected of possessing and trading these fireworks. The pre-trial detention of the man from The Hague was extended on Monday by the examining magistrate, while the man from Gorinchem was released from pre-trial detention.
In another investigation, nearly 500 kilograms of professional fireworks were seized in Roelofarendsveen. Most of this fireworks is of the heaviest category, such as shells (mortar bombs) and also a self-made piece of fireworks. This was also stored in a warehouse on an industrial estate. Two suspects, aged 30 from Leiden and 27 from Oegstgeest, were brought before the magistrate on Monday and remain in custody. They are suspected of possessing these fireworks.
Enormous danger
The Public Prosecution Service urges everyone to be extra vigilant during this period for possible storage locations of illegal fireworks. The storage in Zoetermeer was also discovered thanks to an (anonymous) tip. Such help is very welcome in tracking down illegal fireworks. Tips can be reported to the police via 0900-884, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers 0800-7000. In case of immediate danger, always call 112.
The risks taken by suspects are enormous: items that are normally stored in heavily secured bunkers are carelessly stacked in vans. They also drive around cities and towns to deliver orders. If something goes wrong, the consequences are unimaginable.
The police are vigilant year-round regarding the trade in illegal heavy fireworks. It is well known that these are not only set off for display but are also often used for attacks on homes and business premises. In the run-up to New Years Eve, the police are extra alert. Especially the fireworks found in Roelofarendsveen are of such a heavy category that they pose enormous danger to the surroundings, bystanders, and even the person who would ignite them.