Dutch authorities have arrested 34 people, including French, Belgian, and Algerian nationals, following a fatal pre-dawn shootout in the village of Overasselt, near the German border. The incident, which occurred at approximately 4am on Tuesday, resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man, reportedly a security guard, and left two police officers injured.
Police urged residents in Overasselt to stay indoors with doors and windows shut, fearing that further suspects might still be at large. The warning came after a group of heavily armed men wearing balaclavas approached a house and opened fire, triggering a violent exchange that escalated when responding officers came under attack.
Shootout Details and Police Response
Police spokesperson Jolanda Aalbers told reporters that officers arriving at the scene were immediately met with gunfire. Two officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized several weapons, data storage devices, and vehicles connected to the incident, Aalbers confirmed.
The shooting appears to be linked to the criminal underworld of Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos” (Fat Jos), according to local media reports. Leijdekkers is one of the Netherlands’ most wanted criminals, previously convicted for his role in international cocaine trafficking. He has reportedly lived in Sierra Leone for at least three years and is said to be in a relationship with the daughter of the country’s president, Julius Maada Bio.
International Nature of the Suspects
The Het Parool newspaper reported that the gunfight stemmed from a conflict over several hundred kilos of cocaine believed to have been trafficked by Leijdekkers’ gang. Deputy chief prosecutor Monique Vinkesteijn told reporters that a shooting had occurred at the same house last year, related to a “longstanding conflict,” but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
“We know that the group currently in custody is international in nature,” Vinkesteijn said. “It includes French and Belgian nationals, people from Algeria, and also individuals from the Netherlands.” The prosecutor stated that the suspects face a variety of charges, ranging from murder to manslaughter to preparing a kidnapping, and that further arrests were possible.
Community Shock and Legal Proceedings
Local mayor Joerie Minses expressed the community’s shock at the violent events, stating, “What happened in Overasselt crosses all boundaries. This is un-Dutch … Overasselt has been shocked by a form of extreme violence that is totally unacceptable.” The arrests mark a significant step in addressing the violence, but the investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine the seized evidence and potential additional suspects.
