Drug lab explosions in residential neighborhoods have killed 10, hurt 5 so far this year

The police are very concerned about an increase in drug labs in residential neighborhoods throughout the Netherlands. In the first six months of this year, drug lab explosions and fires have left ten people dead and five injured, according to figures the National Police provided to the Telegraaf.

In January, a drug lab exploded under an apartment building in Rotterdam, killing three people. Two weeks later, in February, a lab exploded in Herveld, Gelderland, injuring one. In Poderlee, Belgium, just across the border, three Dutch people were found dead in a drug lab, killed by toxic fumes. The police could not give details about the other cases because the investigations are still ongoing.

Last year, the police discovered a record number of drug labs - 151 production locations for ecstasy, amphetamine, or crystal mess, or washing and cooking locations for heroin and cocaine. There are labs across the country, but Oost-Nederland is quickly turning into the new drug hotspot like Noord-Brabant used to be. According to the police, the growth in smuggling and production is the result of a growing demand worldwide.

“We are very concerned about the safety of citizens. This year, we have already had ten deaths and five injuries in 13 serious incidents. That does not bode well. There is clearly a trend,” Willem Woelders, in charge of the drugs portfolio at the police, told the Telegraaf.

In the first half of this year, the police responded to five fires and four explosions in drug labs. “Twice, highly flammable or explosive chemicals were found, and twice, there was a situation with toxic fumes. In Nijmegen, we discovered hundreds of liters of chemicals in a basement under a four-story apartment building,” Woelders said.

He urged Netherlands residents to be alert to this potential danger in their neighborhoods. “Criminals want to shield production and use tinted windows and doors. There are also often many cameras for security and sometimes guard dogs. There is often a lot of activity because a lot of stuff is brought in and taken away,” Woelders said. If you notice something suspicious, call the police.