More than ten weapons found in Overasselt, now next to primary school
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has once again found firearms in Overasselt, this time right next to De Zilverberg primary school. The police emphasize that the weapons were not on the school grounds themselves, but directly adjacent to them, on the other side of the schoolyard fence. According to the police, they were well hidden. The police have not disclosed exactly how many weapons were found. Specialists are securing them and examining them for forensic evidence, including to determine whether they were used in last week's fatal shooting.
The discovery is part of the investigation into what happened in the village on Tuesday, September 1st. On that early morning, dozens of heavily armed men entered the Ewijksestraat. In the ensuing shootout, a 51-year-old security guard was shot dead and two police officers were wounded. Following a large-scale manhunt, 35 people were arrested, including two minors. Some have since been released but remain suspects. Detectives are investigating whether the violence is linked to a conflict over a shipment of approximately 1,283 kilograms of cocaine.
For the village, this has now become a pattern. Since the shooting, weapons have been found for five days in a row, in locations far apart: at the sports park, in the rural area towards Nederasselt, and now at the school. In total, according to police reports, there are certainly more than ten weapons involved.
What you should do if you find something yourself: do not touch it and do not look around it. A weapon may be loaded, and traces on the weapon are evidence that will be lost as soon as someone picks it up. Call 112, keep your distance, and wait for the police to arrive. If you see something that does not belong in a roadside verge, a ditch, or a shed, report it even if you are in doubt. If you wish to report anonymously, you can do so via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000.
For parents of children at De Zilverberg: the investigation took place on Wednesday afternoon next to the schoolyard, and the school itself has not been a target. Questions about childcare and school hours are best directed to the school management.