There are indications that the Mexican drug world was involved in the crystal methlab found in Willemsoord, Overijssel. This can be concluded from the criminal file, Maarten Meulemeesters said. He is the lawyer of the 65-year-old owner of the 'drug villa', who was arrested at the end of May.
A cartel of Mexican drug criminals would have played a part in setting up the lab and producing the narcotics in the spacious house on the Ronde Blesse , says Meulemeesters. He cannot say how large that share was. He does not want to go into details from the file. He also leaves open the question on which indications the lawyer relies and which drug cartel it concerns.
According to the criminal lawyer, that there are still suspects at large in this case is quite possible. Running a drug lab of this size alone seems next to impossible, Meulemeesters also acknowledges. The police previously reported that new arrests are not ruled out.
But for the time being the owner (65) of the house is the only suspect. Since the end of July, he has been allowed to await the trial under certain conditions in freedom .
He and his lawyer choose to remain silent to the press. His lawyer does not want to reveal whether he cooperates with the authorities. Only at the hearing will it become clear how the owner sees his role in this case. It is therefore unknown how many other persons must have been involved in the lab in Willemsoord according to the lawyer.
It would not be the first time that Mexicans are involved in the production of crystal meth in the Netherlands. The National Police warned in May in De Telegraaf that more and more drug cartels from Mexico are moving to the Netherlands to help cook and transport the highly addictive hard drug. In addition, several Mexicans were arrested last year for involvement in meth labs in, among others, Herwijnen and Achter Drempt in Gelderland.
The drug world in Mexico is known as ruthless and extremely violent. Nevertheless, Meulemeesters believes that his client has nothing to fear from a settlement or other threats.
