The police have arrested 500 suspects this year in connection with explosions, according to Jos van der Stap, a program manager for ‘High Impact Crimes’ which includes incidents like robberies and explosions. There have been a total of 1,100 explosive attacks on homes and businesses this year, up from 923 in mid-November.
In 2021, the number was 212, rising to 901 last year. The NFI reports that cobras, a type of fireworks with the strength of a hand grenade, are used in 80% of cases.
Van der Stap attributes the high number of explosions in the Netherlands to its “fireworks culture,” noting that these incidents are not limited to criminal conflicts but also involve business disputes and personal feuds. While cobras are illegal, they are available on the black market due to local demand.
Van der Stap emphasizes the importance of social media platforms enforcing rules against trading explosives. He believes that addressing the underlying conflicts is crucial, alongside arresting perpetrators.
There is a task force addressing the issue, with efforts to educate schools and communities, particularly in Amsterdam, on intervention strategies. Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security expresses concern over the rising number of explosions, emphasizing that these explosives should not be labeled as fireworks due to their similarity to hand grenades.
Source: NOS