Dutch men arrested after Belgian police discover large amphetamine lab
Belgian police arrested two Dutch men after discovering an industrial-scale amphetamine lab in an abandoned farmhouse in Geel on Thursday evening. The men, ages 27 and 28, were detained on suspicion of involvement in the production and distribution of narcotics, NU.nl reports.
Authorities said the arrests followed an anonymous tip that led federal police to the property. When officers entered the building, they immediately detected a strong chemical odor. In a barn next to the living quarters, police found the suspects surrounded by large quantities of equipment and chemicals.
According to the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office, the barn contained numerous barrels, jerrycans, boxes, gas cylinders and several kettles. “The Clan Lab Response Unit (CRU) of the Federal Police conducted an on-site investigation and concluded that amphetamines were being produced in the lab and that a large quantity of precursors had been stored,” the prosecutor’s office stated. Precursors are chemical substances used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs such as amphetamine.
Because of the hazardous nature of the materials, police requested assistance from civil protection teams to safely remove and dispose of the chemicals and equipment.
The suspects were questioned immediately after their arrest and remain in custody while investigators work to determine their exact role and identify possible accomplices.
