Thematic hearing fireworks: four suspects prosecuted for possession and trade of illegal fireworks

You cant watch the news without hearing about another explosion somewhere in the country. Explosions occur at homes, businesses, and government buildings to pressure someone, scare someone, or take revenge. Almost all these explosions are caused by the use of heavy fireworks. On Friday, four suspects stood trial at the court in The Hague for possession and trade of heavy illegal fireworks. The Public Prosecution Service demanded prison sentences alongside community service during this thematic hearing.

All suspects were arrested during an action week in May this year. During this week, suspects were tracked and arrested through undercover purchases. Seven suspects were arrested by the police. The police seized nearly 350 kilos of explosives, including 750 cobras and 100 shells of various sizes. Four suspects appeared in court today. 

Regret

A 23-year-old man from Hoofddorp and a 23-year-old man from Winkel stood trial for possession and trade of 150 cobras. The suspects expressed regret during the hearing. They were unaware of the risks and dangers associated with this heavy fireworks. A cobra has explosive power comparable to a hand grenade.

The 23-year-old man from Hoofddorp was also found at home with a large amount of heavy illegal fireworks. Besides 300 pieces of firecrackers and 7.4 kilos of single-shot tubes, the man also had a homemade fireworks package consisting of 7 shells connected with one fuse.

“It is well known that fireworks are dangerous, especially professional fireworks that can react with mass explosions. If one explodes, the entire batch can explode with all the consequences,” said the public prosecutor.

The Public Prosecution Service demanded a 9-month prison sentence for the man from Hoofddorp, of which 3 months were conditional with a probation period of 3 years. The judge imposed 300 hours of community service and a conditional prison sentence of 4 months with a probation period of 3 years. For the suspect from Winkel, the Public Prosecution Service demanded a 6-month prison sentence, of which 3 months were conditional. He received 200 hours of community service and a conditional prison sentence of 1 month with a probation period of 3 years.

Cobras

A 30-year-old man from Rotterdam, arrested on May 19, 2025, for possession and trade of 24 firecrackers, including cobras, was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and 1 month of conditional imprisonment with a probation period of 3 years.

A 30-year-old man from Berkel en Rodenrijs, who possessed 44 firecrackers, was sentenced to 150 hours of community service and 2 months of conditional imprisonment with a probation period of 3 years.