Overview
- Police discovered the fully operational lab after reports of a strange smell on Friday and evacuated about 200 residents while specialist teams removed drums and jerrycans containing thousands of litres of chemicals.
- The Public Prosecution Service says the site is suspected of large‑scale production of XTC and a examining magistrate has ordered four men to remain in custody for further investigation.
- The municipality and safety region declared there is no acute danger after the cleanup and the Meidoornstraat has been reopened to residents.
- A separate late‑night crash on the Westkanaaldijk near Maarssen killed two teenagers and police are appealing for witnesses as investigations continue.
- Regional 112 liveblogs recorded an unusually busy weekend for emergency services, including serious stabbing incidents in Helmond and Apeldoorn that led to arrests and extra strain on local response teams.