Three arrests after large catch of heavy fireworks in Urk and Groesbeek

Following information about the trade in illegal fireworks, the police started an investigation. In that investigation, the police tracked down an 18-year-old man and an underage man from Urk. On Monday, September 11, they were arrested when they took more than 180 kilos of fireworks (1,500 cobras, 3,600 nitrates and 200 avalanche arrows) from a 20-year-old man from Groesbeek. The man from Groesbeek was also arrested. During the investigation, another suspect from Urk was interviewed in connection with involvement in the trade in heavily illegal fireworks. This concerned a 50-year-old woman from Urk.

Heavy fireworks in Groesbeek home

A day later, Tuesday September 12, the police investigated the home of the 20-year-old man from Groesbeek. Another 150 kilos of heavy fireworks were found in his bedroom. This concerns 1200 cobras, 3600 nitrates, 50 butterfly bombs and 12 mortars. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) cordoned off the entire street for safety. The fireworks that we seized were transported by a special company to a location where police specialists examine and secure the fireworks. The minor suspect was released after the interrogation. Both adult suspects have been taken into custody and will soon be brought before the Examining Judge.

The danger of heavy fireworks

Heavy fireworks are very dangerous. One cobra has the same explosive power as a hand grenade. The more cobras the bigger the explosion. With 150 kilos of those heavy fireworks it is possible to seriously damage several houses. It is not without reason that the detection of illegal fireworks has our full attention. Not only lighting is dangerous, transport and storage also pose a major risk.

Your help with the police response to fireworks

We cannot investigate heavy fireworks alone. Do you know that someone is trading illegal fireworks or that illegal (heavy) fireworks are stored somewhere? Report it to the police via 0900-8844 or anonymously via 0800-7000. Call 112 if there is an acutely dangerous situation. More information about fireworks can be found here.