Dutch Justice Min. wants a European Union ban on heavy fireworks

The Cabinet is in favor of a European ban on heavy fireworks, including those from the brand Cobra. Minister of Justice David van Weel wants to make an appeal for this to European Union politicians if there is majority support for such a move in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament.

A majority is expected to push for the Netherlands to make its case in the European Union for a ban. The country has spent years trying to contend with the use of explosives in extortion schemes and criminals escalating attacks on rivals.

"If the Netherlands continues the battle against dangerous, powerful fireworks on their own, then they will not get anywhere soon," said Songül Mutluer, the MP from GroenLinks-PvdA who is pushing the proposal in the Tweede Kamer.

Mutluer noted that many of the explosives that gangs use to bombard each other in drug wars are often comprised of heavy explosives from the fireworks brand Cobra. These contain flash powder which is more explosive than gunpowder.

The illegal trade in heavy fireworks also makes it easy for criminals to obtain them for use in the Netherlands.