On Saturday afternoon, there were multiple incidents at the border. In total, over 80 kilograms of fireworks were seized from six inspected vehicles that day. Not all identified vehicles could be checked immediately. These drivers were later visited by the police.
After the operation, officers entered four homes. There, an additional 40 kilograms of illegal fireworks were found and seized. This brings the total amount of seized fireworks to approximately 120 kilograms. Nationwide, the total now stands at around 100,000 kilograms.
Unique Fireworks Operation
On Saturday, December 27, it was still not allowed to purchase fireworks; this is only permitted from Monday, December 29. To prevent fireworks purchases, the police deployed a drone that took off just before the Belgian border. This drone observed a fireworks shop in Belgium from a long distance.
When the footage showed fireworks boxes being loaded from the shop into a vehicle with a Dutch license plate, the police noted the license plates. Plainclothes officers then stopped the drivers in the Netherlands to inspect the cargo.
Dont Risk a Fine!
With this operation, the police aim to increase safety in the run-up to New Years Eve and to act against the trade and possession of prohibited fireworks. Buyers, dealers, transporters, owners, and users of these fireworks risk imprisonment and hefty fines.
Illegal trade and storage of prohibited fireworks create life-threatening situations. If you have information about this, report it to the police via 0900-8844 or anonymously via M. 0800 7000 or through Meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.