The underground lab where synthetic drugs were produced has been operational for a long period and had significant production capacity. The lab was ingeniously hidden underground. Access to the underground lab was obtained through a hidden hydraulic entrance in a shed. The lab was professionally constructed. In the underground space, there was even room for the lab technicians to rest. An automatic firearm with a silencer was also found in the space.

Arrest

The investigation also identified the 33-year-old man from Ewijk. The man was arrested on Tuesday. His role in the drug lab is still under investigation. We do not rule out further arrests.

The drug waste released during the production process was dumped in a ditch behind the shed. The damage caused to the environment is expected to be enormous and amounts to tons. The cleanup of the drug lab has already cost society more than 70,000 euros.

200,000 kilos per year

Many dumpings of drug waste occur in the province of North Brabant and increasingly in the northern part of the country. MDMA (Ecstasy) is primarily produced. This is estimated to lead to at least 200,000 kilos of drug waste per year. To make the drug, chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and acetone are needed. After production, barrels full of hazardous chemicals remain. These are dumped in large quantities in nature. In 2024 (up to December 3), the cleanup costs for drug waste reported to the implementing organization BIJ12 alone in North Brabant amounted to €400,000*. These costs are borne by us as a society.

Life-threatening situations and soil remediation

Dumping drug waste can pose a huge danger to the environment, humans, and animals. Cleanup is specialized work. The chemical substances can be so strong that they can cause severe burns and completely disrupt the biological balance in soil and water. Especially waste from the production of synthetic drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy) and amphetamine creates life-threatening situations for humans and nature. When a barrel of chemical drug waste breaks open or a lid comes loose, the chemicals spill into nature and the outside air. In places where such a barrel has leaked, all vegetation dies, and sometimes you can still see that many years later. Sometimes there is a danger to drinking water, or the soil must be completely remediated. At the lab in Cuijk, the waste was not even in barrels but was simply allowed to flow into a ditch.
 

What should I do if I see a dumping of drug waste or find drug waste?

• Do not touch anything. Drug waste is dangerous.
• Call the police immediately at 112 and follow the polices instructions.
• Keep 25 meters away. At least 100 meters away in case of fire.
• Stand with the wind at your back so that chemical fumes do not blow towards you.
• If possible, take photos, note license plates, and remember the description of the vehicles and individuals. You can also report this to Meld Misdaad Anoniem.

* Source: Implementing organization BIJ12