Dutch Police Arrest 34 Suspects After Deadly Gang Shootout

Dutch police have arrested 34 suspects following a deadly shooting linked to a suspected drug-related gang conflict in the eastern Netherlands.

The incident occurred at around 4am on Tuesday in Overasselt, a village near the German border. Police officers had arrived at a house after receiving reports of suspicious activity when a large group of masked men allegedly opened fire.

A 51-year-old security guard was killed in the exchange of gunfire, while two police officers sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Regional police chief Jolanda Aalbers said officers came under immediate fire when they arrived at the scene. She described the incident as an extremely traumatic event and praised officers for rescuing their injured colleagues and taking them to safety.

Police seized several weapons, data storage devices and vehicles during the operation.

Prosecutors said the 34 suspects include nationals or residents from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Algeria. Investigators believe the shooting may be connected to a long-running criminal dispute, noting that the same house was targeted in a shooting last year. Two people were convicted in connection with that earlier incident.

Local media have linked the case to the Dutch criminal underworld associated with alleged drug lord Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”, who has previously been convicted over his involvement in international cocaine trafficking.

Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel praised police for responding quickly to what he described as an unprecedented and life-threatening situation. He confirmed that 34 arrests had been made and said the investigation remains ongoing.

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