Military reservist arrested in Netherlands over suspected firearms trafficking

A military reservist was arrested by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee on Tuesday as part of an investigation into suspected firearms trafficking. During searches of a house and a warehouse in the municipality of West Betuwe, in the province of Gelderland, officers found what they described as a large cache of illegal weapons, ammunition, and heavy fireworks.

The searches uncovered a range of firearms, including multiple rifles, revolvers, and a homemade handgun. Investigators also found substantial amounts of ammunition in different calibres at the property and warehouse.

Investigators also confiscated banned melee and edged weapons, as well as individual firearm parts, including barrels and a suppressor. The searches further uncovered gunpowder and equipment that could be used to produce ammunition.

The suspect is a resident of the same municipality in Gelderland. However, a spokesperson for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee said no further details, including the reservist’s exact place of residence or age, could be released while the investigation remains ongoing.