In September 2023, a drug lab was discovered in Kerkrade. Three men from Kerkrade and one man from Belgian Maasmechelen were arrested.
When a 112 call comes in on Saturday, September 16, 2023, about a drug lab in the basement of the apartment complex on Burgemeester Savelberglaan in Kerkrade, officers arrive on the scene. Upon entering, a 45-year-old man remains in the basement while the other men try to escape. Shortly thereafter, a 32-year-old man is found on the balcony of an apartment in that complex. A 26-year-old man has jumped down from an apartment, and a fourth man, aged 36, is found hiding in a closet. At the scene, a room is found in the basement set up for making amphetamine paste, and over 140 kilos of amphetamine are discovered. The four men are arrested by the police.
Conflicting Statements
From the police investigation, which includes forensic research in the apartment, DNA testing, witness statements, and wiretapped phone conversations, an abundance of evidence emerges that the four men were involved in the production of amphetamine. The suspects provide conflicting accounts of their involvement. Notably, the 36-year-old man not only admits his own involvement but also claims that his co-defendants had limited involvement. According to the Public Prosecution Service, that statement is unbelievable given the conducted research. Not only was a bag containing the passport of the 26-year-old co-defendant found in the basement, but powder residues were also found on the clothing and shoes of the other suspects. Furthermore, witness statements and wiretapped phone conversations indicate that the other suspects were involved.
Used as a Pawn
The Public Prosecution Service holds the suspects accountable for engaging in organized crime involving the production and trafficking of hard drugs. Financial gain was the priority, with all societal consequences: health risks, waste dumping in nature, and money laundering practices. Moreover, the Public Prosecution Service finds it reprehensible that three suspects take no or only limited responsibility for what they are accused of. The prosecutor stated: It even appears that the 36-year-old co-defendant was used as a pawn to give as little incriminating testimony as possible about the involvement of the co-defendants.
Given the facts, the Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentences of two times 5 years and a fine of 30,000 euros, and two times 4 years and 6 months with a fine of 10,000 euros against the four suspects. The judge is expected to make a ruling in about two weeks.