Drug lab that forced Hague evacuation likely produced ecstasy; Suspects still in custody

The drug lab that forced the evacuation of multiple homes in The Hague over the weekend likely produced ecstasy on a large scale, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) revealed in the arraignment hearing against the four arrested suspects. All four suspects were remanded into custody for another two weeks.

According to the OM, the drug lab on Meidoornstraat, in the middle of a residential neighborhood, was fully operational when officers responded to a report of a strange smell on Friday. Inside, they found barrels and jerrycans containing thousands of liters of chemicals.

The police arrested a 39-year-old man from Voorburg inside the drug lab, and a 34-year-old man from Voorburg later in the day. They are suspected of the production of hard drugs, preparatory acts for this, and the possession of hard drugs, the OM said.

Investigators searched the suspects’ homes and vehicles, finding drugs, drug waste, a large amount of cash, and a complete cannabis growing operation.

The police also arrested a 71-year-old man from Leiden and a 44-year-old man from The Hague. According to the OM, these men were the landlords of the building in which the drug lab was located. They are suspected of involvement in the operation. Their exact role is being investigated.

The police halted the production of the ecstasy pills on Friday and cleared the laboratory out on Saturday. Due to the risk of dangerous substances being released, the surrounding homes had to be evacuated on both days. The security region described it as a mega operation.

Mayor Jan van Zanen called the presence of the drug lab in the middle of a busy residential neighbourhood “not only absolutely illegal, but also completely irresponsible.”