16 arrested in a series of violent incidents linked to a drug conflict
A series of violent incidents, including shootings and explosions, has led to the arrest of 16 individuals in Zuid-Holland, with authorities linking the events to a major drug-related conflict. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) believes the violence, which occurred between October 10 and October 17 in Alphen aan den Rijn, Leiden, Rijnsaterwoude, and Valkenburg, is connected to the same criminal organisation.
In one of the incidents, a 20-year-old suspect, Romejo M., allegedly played a leading role in a shooting on October 12 at a house on Beukenlaan in Alphen aan den Rijn. According to the OM, M. coordinated with the client behind the attack, reloaded the weapon, and drove the shooter to the location. However, prosecutors clarified that M. himself did not fire the weapon at the front door of the residence. His lawyer has argued that M. acted as "a glorified taxi driver who knew nothing," but prosecutors insist his role was far more significant.
The Beukenlaan shooting is one of several cases linked to the same series of violent incidents. A 17-year-old from Eindhoven and a 23-year-old from Rotterdam have also been arrested for their involvement in this attack, with the 23-year-old identified as a broker responsible for recruiting and managing executors.
The OM’s investigation suggests the conflict stems from disputes within the drug trade. The suspects detained include individuals described as "executors," hired to carry out acts of violence, and "brokers," intermediaries who recruited and coordinated the attackers.
The violence began on October 10, with an automatic weapon used to fire at a residence on Prins Hendrikstraat in Alphen aan den Rijn. Three suspects—aged 23, 25, and 22—were arrested shortly after the attack. The 23-year-old remains in custody, while the other two have been released under specific conditions.
Later that evening, two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested in Alphen aan den Rijn for attempting to detonate an explosive device on Vijverstraat. The device failed to detonate, and the pair was apprehended near the scene. Their actions are believed to have been directed by two other suspects, described as brokers, who remain in custody.
On October 11, an explosion occurred at a property on Visscherspad in Rijnsaterwoude, leading to the arrests of five individuals, including four executors and a broker. The explosion caused significant damage but no injuries.
On October 12, the Beukenlaan shooting took place, with Romejo M. and his co-defendants arrested shortly after.
The final incidents occurred between October 15 and October 17, when explosions were reported in Leiden and Valkenburg. A 25-year-old man from Den Helder has been linked to an explosion on Lombokstraat in Leiden and remains in custody.
The OM has emphasized that investigations into these incidents are ongoing. Prosecutors are still working to trace the network orchestrating the violence and identify the key players behind the attacks.
