Police discovered a clandestine drug laboratory in a residential neighbourhood of The Hague, prompting the evacuation of up to 200 residents after thousands of litres of chemicals were found in barrels inside the building on Saturday.
The lab was uncovered following reports of chemical odours. One suspect was arrested after slipping on a greasy substance while attempting to flee and was taken to hospital. Four men aged 34 to 71 were ultimately detained in connection with the operation, which may have produced ecstasy and MDMA.
It was the second evacuation of the same residents within 24 hours; around 150 people had been forced out on Friday so hazardous materials could be removed. Specialists pumped out liquids and sealed leaks with absorbent material before residents returned home by 22:30 on Saturday. Police guarded the site overnight ahead of a full dismantling scheduled for Sunday.