In mid-June, a preventive check was conducted at a café in Rotterdam-South. During this check, a firearm was found in a trash bin inside the café, likely discarded by one of the visitors upon seeing the police arrive.

DNA Match
The police initiated an investigation into the origin of the weapon. DNA analysis was performed on the firearm, which led to an address in The Hague where the arrest team entered early Wednesday morning. Inside the residence, ten modified gas alarm pistols were found, along with tools such as a grinder, glue, and loose weapon parts. It is suspected that the gas alarm pistols were being converted into functional firearms at this location.

Deadly
Modified gas and alarm pistols are used by criminals in assassinations and firearm incidents. Several fatal victims have already resulted from the use of modified gas or alarm pistols. Because they are hardly distinguishable from real firearms in appearance, they are also used as intimidation tools in robberies and hold-ups.

Illegal
These weapons have long been prohibited in the Netherlands but can be easily purchased across the border and online. The gas and alarm pistols can then be converted into potentially lethal firearms. Criminals drill a hole in the barrel or replace the entire barrel, allowing bullets to be fired.