Police raid in Overasselt turns into gun battle

34 suspects have been detained in an investigation into a gang clash in the Netherlands. In the drug-related incident in the eastern village of Overasselt, a 51-year-old security guard was killed and two police officers were injured.

Police went to a house in the village near the German border around 4 a.m. after reports of suspicious activity. Regional police chief Jolanda Aalbers said the first officers to arrive came under fire from a masked group. The two injured officers were reported to be in stable condition and not in danger of death.

Suspects include people from four countries

The regional prosecutor's office said the detainees include suspects with citizenship from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Algeria. Officials said the investigation is continuing and evidence from the scene is being examined.

What was seized during the operation?

Police seized several items from the house and surrounding area after the shootout. According to early statements, the materials collected included:

  • Weapons
  • Data storage devices
  • Vehicles

Possible link to earlier attack under review

Prosecutors said there are indications the incident may be linked to a long-running dispute. They added that the same house was shot at about a dozen times in a single incident last year, in a case that also led to two convictions.

Local media linked the latest clash to the criminal network around Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”. Leijdekkers was previously convicted for his role in international cocaine trafficking and has been listed among the Netherlands' most wanted fugitives.

David van Weel, the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, said police responded quickly to the life-threatening situation. The minister said an “unprecedented number” of people were involved in the incident and added that the investigation is ongoing.