Garage closure in Arkel following illegal fireworks seizure
Municipal authorities in Molenlanden ordered a three-month closure of a garage box in a residential area of Arkel after local police uncovered a large stash of illegal explosives inside. The enforcement action also led to arrests in Arkel and Dordrecht.
On Wednesday, October 28, officers searched a garage box on Harpstraat in Arkel following an anonymous tip submitted through Meld Misdaad Anoniem, according to a report by Politie.nl. Inside the unit, investigators discovered 880 cobra’s, roughly 120 kilograms of shells packed across multiple crates, and three mortar tubes used for launching the shells. A 25-year-old woman from Arkel was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks and was brought before the examining magistrate on Friday, where she was remanded into custody.
Mayor orders garage closure over illegal fireworks
Theo Segers of Molenlanden announced plans to shutter a garage box on Bazuinstraat in Arkel for three months due to the storage risks, as detailed by regional outlet Het Kontakt. Segers stated that the storage of large quantities of illegal fireworks creates an unacceptable danger to public order and safety.
Reports from residents are important for addressing situations that pose a danger to public order and safety,
Segers said, emphasizing that community tips remain vital for addressing neighborhood threats.
The local government urged residents to remain vigilant for suspicious activities, such as individuals repeatedly loading and unloading large quantities of boxes, unusual storage locations, or signs of illicit commerce. Community members can report suspected stashes anonymously via 0800-7000, reach emergency services at 112, or contact the standard police line at 0900-8844.
Separate Dordrecht bedroom raid
A day prior to the Arkel garage search, police found illegal fireworks in a residential bedroom in Dordrecht. On Tuesday, October 27, multiple bags of illegal fireworks, including vlinders and nitraten, were discovered in the bedroom of a 16-year-old boy from Dordrecht, Politie.nl reported. The underage suspect is scheduled to be questioned by investigators in the coming days.
Police stressed that illegal fireworks stored near living spaces can be life-threatening to residents and neighbors even in smaller quantities. Authorities said information from neighborhood residents helps them get on the right track.
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