Drug criminal's villa destroyed in explosion

A villa on Ouwer in Etten-Leur was destroyed by a fire that the police believe was caused by an explosion during the early hours of Sunday morning. The home belonged to drug criminal Johan V., RTL Nieuws reports.

The building was completely destroyed in the fire. According to the fire department, no one was inured. The fire started around 01:00 a.m. on Sunday. Local residents heard three bangs, they told BN de Stem. They expect the explosion was an attack in the criminal environment. "They threw fire bombs through the windows", a neighbor said to the newspaper.

Johan V., 52, was sentenced to four years in prison earlier this month. He was convicted for involvement in importing large amounts of cocaine through the port of Rotterdam. He is also connected to customs officer Gerrit G., who is suspected of giving sensitive information about Customs' work method at the port of Rotterdam to criminals for payment. The case against G. is still ongoing.