News report | 22-12-2025 | 16:30
A main suspect in the drug lab case in Aldwâld has been extradited by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the Frisian village, a cocaine washing lab was dismantled last December. The now extradited suspect, a 38-year-old man from Leiden, is believed to have led the criminal organization that imported cocaine from South America and processed it in the Netherlands. After the lab was discovered, he fled to Dubai where he was arrested some time later.
On December 17, 2024, a warehouse in Aldwâld was found to contain a laboratory set up to extract cocaine from carrier material. In this case, the cocaine was washed in bags of concrete mortar. Following a police investigation by the National Detection and Intervention Unit (LO), a raid took place and eight suspects were arrested that day, including three Colombians working in the lab. Several warehouses and storage locations were also searched. On other dates, four more co-suspects were arrested.
Five suspects, including the three Colombians, were sentenced on December 16 after the Public Prosecution Service made procedural agreements with them. Cases against six other suspects, including a 28-year-old man from Vlaardingen, are ongoing.
The now extradited suspect was not found at his home address at the time and later appeared in Dubai. The man from Leiden flew to the Netherlands on Friday, December 19, under escort by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar). Today, December 22, he was presented to the examining magistrate who decided he will remain in custody for 14 days. He is suspected of having a leading and commanding role in the drug organization. Besides participation in a criminal organization, he is suspected of drug trafficking and money laundering.
The criminal case, named Hadamar, will continue next year at the Amsterdam court.