The National Investigation and Intervention Unit initiated an investigation led by the National Prosecutors Office into a criminal organization and drug trafficking. They worked closely with the Spanish UDYCO Central of the Policia Nacional. On May 27, the Spanish UDYCO Central, at the request of the Netherlands, conducted searches in two residences in Cambrils and a storage box in Reus, Spain. Simultaneously, a search was conducted in a residence in Amsterdam. Substances for the production of synthetic drugs were found, and multiple data carriers were seized. A 30-year-old Dutch man without a fixed residence was arrested in Spain. This suspect was extradited to the Netherlands, and on June 24, his pre-trial detention was extended by the council chamber for 90 days.
After further investigation, the Spanish UDYCO Central of the Policia Nacional successfully dismantled the drug lab in Amposta on Wednesday, June 25. A large quantity of drugs and substances for drug production were seized. Three Dutch suspects were arrested, two men aged 41 and 23, both without a fixed residence, and a 28-year-old man from Leiden. On July 2, the Spanish police arrested another Dutch suspect, a 23-year-old woman, who is suspected of involvement in the drug lab.
Drug Industry Causes Serious Crime
Drug production and trafficking are at the root of many undermining issues in the Netherlands. This manifests itself in liquidations, violence, threats, corruption, money laundering, and the mixing of the underworld with the upper world. Therefore, it is of great importance that we tackle criminal networks engaged in drug production and trafficking.
National and International Cooperation
In our broad approach to drug crime, we also achieve successes thanks to structural cooperation with national and international law enforcement partners. During this investigation, the National Investigation and Intervention Unit worked closely with the Spanish UDYCO Central of the Policia Nacional.