Active Week
The arrests were made as a result of various investigative techniques and collaborative expertise both within and outside the police. A unit-wide effort was made to track down dealers in explosives. In total, 7 arrests were made. All suspects have been heard, and the police do not rule out further arrests. Additionally, one of the findings led to a house being closed by order of the mayor due to the storage of large quantities of explosives. One suspect has been presented to the examining magistrate and remains in custody. The others have been released but are still suspects.
“The possession and use of heavy illegal fireworks, or rather explosives, greatly concerns us. The threshold for using them is low, whether it pertains to a football match or a threat in the criminal sphere. This poses significant risks for residents and businesses in our area, as well as for police officers and other emergency responders. With this active week as a start, we show that we are going to strengthen our approach,” said Anja de Bruin, unit leadership.
Risks
A well-known type of explosive is the Cobra. This illegal, heavy firework can have the explosive power of a hand grenade. If stored at home and detonated, it has severe consequences for residents, neighbors, and the surrounding area. Criminals also do not shy away from causing explosions with heavy fireworks at homes, shops, and other buildings. In such cases, the risk for bystanders is very high. Especially considering that the explosives are becoming increasingly heavier. During last weeks operation, even explosives were found that are over 6 times as powerful as a Cobra-6.
Approach and Reports
Throughout the year, the police focus on the trade and possession of explosives. A special working group has actively conducted investigations. Research is also being carried out based on reports received via Meld Misdaad Anoniem. The police can greatly use the publics help. If you have signals of possible explosives in your area, we would like to get in touch with you. You can call the police at 0900-8844. Prefer to remain anonymous? Then call Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000 or go to meldmisdaadanoniem.nl. You can also leave a tip via the tip form below and upload images. Together we can reduce the amount of heavy fireworks on the streets.