Decrease in Drug Production Locations

The number of detected production locations compared to 2023 has decreased. Where we found 14 production locations in 2023, there were only 10 in 2024. The vast majority consisted of locations where synthetic drugs were made.

Production locations refer not only to those places where drugs are actually made, but also to the locations where drugs are processed, cut, and packaged. Or locations where illegal raw materials are produced, which are necessary for the production of drugs. These locations can vary in size. Last year we encountered them in various forms. We found them in barns such as in Oost West and Middelbeers, in warehouses in Someren or in a business building in Best. We even discovered one underground in Cuijk.

Dumping of Drug Waste Has Increased Significantly

Last year we saw a significant increase in the number of detected drug waste dumpings. Where we recorded 4 dumpings in 2023, there were as many as 21 in 2024. Notably, we already recorded 8 dumpings in the first months of 2024.

The majority of the dumpings we encountered were relatively small in size. We often find drug waste in barrels and jerrycans in a forest or in rural areas. We also see that at production locations the waste is stored; but also that the waste is discharged in the nearby environment in the soil or directly into surface water. These discharges cause enormous damage to nature and the cleanup incurs high costs. As long as the perpetrators remain at large, these costs are borne by society.

The chance of getting caught is low because the dumpings often take place in rural areas with little social control and at night. Reports and signals of suspicious situations in the forest or elsewhere of drug dumpings are very important. Recently, a tip from an alert citizen led to the arrest of two individuals who wanted to dump barrels of drug waste in Overloon in the rural area.

Intervention Team Undermining and Drug Transport (IOD)

Behind the operation of a production location lies a whole logistical chain. Chemicals, raw materials, production means, waste, and end products all need to be transported to and from production locations. In East Brabant, there has been a special team active in the field of undermining in transport and logistics since last year. The Intervention Team Undermining and Drug Transport (IOD) focuses on combating and disrupting drug-related undermining crime in the sector. Every year, during regular traffic controls and targeted actions, such transportations are discovered. In 2024, various transports were intercepted in East Brabant and the goods were seized. In most cases, it turned out to be transport via the road. Vehicles were then used to transport chemicals and hardware, for example. In addition, shipments intercepted in distribution centers of parcel senders were found to contain raw materials for the production of synthetic drugs.

Reporting is Very Important

In a significant portion of the detected drug labs, storage locations, and drug dumpings in East Brabant, the report came from a citizen. It is therefore of great importance for the police that people report if they see or notice something suspicious at a residence or business premises. Think of individuals and vehicles at unusual times, vans parked backwards against an entrance, or detecting a sweet chemical smell. To increase the number of reports and to learn to recognize signals of drug crime, numerous actions are being undertaken. Farmers and other rural area residents are actively approached to warn them of the dangers of getting involved with criminals and to make them alert to suspicious situations.

We organize action days with our partners in business parks, inner ports, and at logistical hubs where we alert individuals and businesses to signs of undermining crime.

The nationally published drug figures for 2024 can be found here.

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Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood

Do you ever see something strange in your neighborhood or at work? For example, a house that has been empty for months but has lights on at night. Or a garage box where people come at night.

You may find these situations strange. But did you know that these could be signs of criminal activities?

At www.houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl, you can discover what suspicious signals are for example a drug lab in your area and what you can do if you see suspicious signals and are concerned.

If you see something suspicious at a residence or warehouse, or if drug waste is possibly dumped in your area, call 112. If you suspect a possible lab, call 0900-8844. You can report online via politie.nl. Prefer to report anonymously, call Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-9000 or go to the site of Meld Misdaad Anoniem.