Groningen – The police are investigating two waste dumps in the province of Groningen. On Sunday, January 7, the police found several blue and black jerry cans and a blue barrel filled with chemicals on the Kerkeweg near Oostwold. On Monday, January 8, a centrifuge was also found at the Hoendiep in Den Horn, in addition to jerry cans filled with liquid. Measurements indicate that it could possibly be drug waste. The police are looking for witnesses who may have seen something about the waste dumping or know who could have something to do with it.
The police are investigating the waste dumping. Where possible, trace investigations are carried out and we also look at whether images can be secured. In addition, we are expressly looking for tips, images or other information from possible witnesses.
Witnesses wanted
Have you seen anything in recent days of the waste dumps on the Kerkeweg near Oostwold or at the Hoendiep in Den Horn? Such as suspicious transport movements, the coming and going of van(s) or people carrying jerry cans or other waste. Do you have images from this area that show anything suspicious? Do you recognize the centrifuge? Or do you suspect that there is a drug lab in your area? Then share this information with the police via 0900-8844 or anonymously via Report Crime Anonymous on 0800-7000.
Harmful and major dangers
Dumpings of chemical or drug waste are dangerous because the substances can be highly flammable, highly corrosive or toxic. The chemicals can also end up in the groundwater, leading to water pollution, with all the harmful consequences that entails. Cleaning up waste costs society a lot of money. The waste may have come from a drug lab and these also pose major dangers. For example, chemicals can ignite or explode and toxic substances can escape. The storage of the chemicals required for production is also life-threatening. Especially if a drug lab is located in a populated area.
How do I recognize a drug lab?
For the police, people in the neighborhood are very important when it comes to identifying drug labs and sharing information with the police. But how do you recognize a drug lab?
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Vehicles or vans drive to or from a building at odd times
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People often try to load and unload as inconspicuously as possible, but sometimes you see people lugging jerry cans or barrels.
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A drug lab can release a chemical – sometimes anise-like – odor. To prevent people from smelling this, criminals often close cracks and windows with PUR foam.
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The production site is usually well shielded and the windows and doors are often shuttered.
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In a drug lab you often hear a constant buzzing, humming sound.
Do you recognize one of these signals? Let us know! These types of tips can help us in the investigation of drug labs.
Information source: Politie.nl
