The police searched six homes, a garage, and a business premises in Tilburg and Goirle, where a firearm, illegal fireworks, 17,500 euros in cash, 7,000 dollars in cryptocurrency, several kilos of cocaine, and various types of hard and soft drugs were found. During the searches, a third suspect was arrested, who was found in the premises where the soft and hard drugs were located.

During the investigation, led by the National Prosecutors Office, the units worked intensively with investigative services and judicial authorities from Belgium. This collaboration is crucial for effectively combating international arms trafficking. The investigation was initiated last year based on information from 2023, which indicated that one of the suspects was likely involved in dealing firearms and narcotics via communication apps. Throughout the investigation, the other two suspects came into focus.

Report crime anonymously
Are you (unwillingly) a member of a group on platforms like Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp where weapons or explosives are being offered for sale? Then contact the Criminal Intelligence Team confidentially at 088 - 66 177 34 or report anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000 or through the website.

Week against undermining
The above investigation is an example of the ongoing fight against undermining crime, which is central to the Week against organized undermining crime (April 14-20). The campaign ‘Keep crime out of your neighborhood’ encourages citizens to be alert to suspicious activities and signs of undermining. Tackling arms trafficking and the organized crime behind it is crucial to ensuring safety in our neighborhoods. By disrupting this crime, we not only bring down the criminals behind the arms trade but also contribute to reducing the undermining often associated with drug and human trafficking. The willingness of society to report plays a key role in this.

The Netherlands as a transit country
Due to its location, the Netherlands has historically been an import and transit country for firearms and explosives. A relatively small group of arms dealers imports on a large scale (semi-)automatic and handguns, anti-tank weapons, and grenades. To effectively disrupt international arms trafficking, good international cooperation is essential.

The National Investigation and Intervention Unit has a specialized firearms team. In their investigations, information is gathered about arms flows to learn more about the criminal networks behind the trade. Arms dealers are seen as essential service providers for organized crime; they pose a threat to society. These criminals deal in drugs and use excessive violence in intimidation and executions. They do not shy away from using firearms in residential areas.

The police see that crime is increasingly moving to platforms like Telegram and Signal. ‘This is concerning because such material is thus found on the ‘clearweb’; an accessible medium for many people,’ says Jeroen Poelert, head of the Serious Organized Crime – Financial Economic Crime (SOC-FINEC) domain. ‘Criminals and buyers think they can operate anonymously here, but even on such platforms, no one remains anonymous.’

Mixing underworld and upper world
Undermining crime is about the mixing of the underworld and the upper world. Criminals exploit citizens, entrepreneurs, and service providers for their own gain. This undermines the rule of law and poses a threat to safety. In residential areas, residents may be confronted with intimidation, extortion, violence, explosions, and risks such as fire from drug labs or environmental pollution from drug dumping. You can help by reporting suspicious situations in your area. Read more about how you can help at houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl.