Hemp Farm Discovered Inside Dutch Highway Bridge

Vianen, Netherlands – A surprising discovery was made this week under the Jan Blankenbrug, a bridge on the A2 highway near Vianen. Police uncovered a cannabis farm with 180 plants growing in a technical space within a pillar of the bridge. The operation was discovered on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and has raised questions about security and illegal activity exploiting public infrastructure.

Illegal Operation and Power Diversion

The cannabis farm was located in a space that had been forcibly entered by the growers, with a door having been forced open and a lock cut on multiple occasions. According to Burgemeester Sjors Fröhlich of the Vijfheerenlanden municipality, Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch public works department) had noticed the damaged lock but initially attributed it to vandalism by local youth RTL Nieuws.

The operation also involved the illegal diversion of electricity. The growers tapped into the bridge’s power supply, resulting in a significant and unexplained increase in energy consumption that Rijkswaterstaat had been investigating DGKI. This meant that Rijkswaterstaat was unknowingly paying the electricity costs for the illegal cannabis cultivation.

Recent Setup, No Arrests

Authorities believe the farm was relatively new, as it contained plants ready for a first harvest RTL Nieuws. No arrests have been made, and police are currently investigating to identify the individuals responsible and gather any potential evidence NU.nl.

Security Concerns and Infrastructure Vulnerability

The discovery highlights potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The ease with which the growers were able to access and exploit a space within the bridge raises concerns about security protocols and the need for increased monitoring. The incident also underscores the creative methods employed by criminals to conceal illegal activities 112Vandaag.

The plants have been destroyed, and the investigation is ongoing.