Suspect arrested for explosion in house in Meppel, residents cannot return home

The police near Heerenveen have arrested the resident of the house in Meppel suspected of causing an explosion that blew off the rear facade of the house on Friday night.

The 41-year-old man was injured during the explosion and was being treated, the police reported. A spokesperson could not yet say how the police tracked down the man. The police reported earlier that residents had seen a man running away shortly after the explosion who was possibly with injuries to his arms or upper body.

The house on Willem de Poorterstraat in Meppel was very badly damaged, as the police had previously reported. Items were found in the house that police believe could be used for a drug lab.

Local residents have reportedly been complaining for years about the nuisance caused by drug dealing in the area and in the house damaged by the explosion. They told the broadcaster they had contacted the authorities several times, including Woonconcept. They are surprised “that this has never been taken seriously”.

However, Dagblad van het Noorden reports that raids have indeed taken place in Meppel. The apartment of a 37-year-old man in the damaged house was searched on suspicion of possession of weapons.

Whether there was also a drug lab in the house is currently being investigated. Officers are not yet able to investigate the house as it is still unstable. Police are guarding the building.

Furthermore, surrounding homes were also seriously damaged by the explosion. Landlord Woonconcept told RTV Drenthe that four households will not be able to return home in the coming nights.