News report | 03-02-2026 | 14:52
Yesterday, the Council Chamber of the Amsterdam court ordered the detention of a 51-year-old man from Amsterdam. The man is suspected of placing mothballs in the childrens book section of a library. Mothballs can be toxic and resemble candy in appearance.
On Wednesday, January 20, the police received a report that mothballs had been found in the childrens book section of a library in Amsterdam. Mothballs were mainly used in the past to kill moths. They can look like small candies. Traditional mothballs are now banned because they can be toxic. If children were to eat them, it could be dangerous.
After reviewing security footage from the library, the suspect was identified. On Thursday, January 22, he was arrested at his home. Mothballs were also found in his home at that time.
The suspect has so far exercised his right to remain silent. His motive is therefore still unknown.
The Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) is investigating the chemical composition and harmfulness of the mothballs. The police investigation continues.