A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to twelve months in prison for having two firearms, ammunition and maintaining a cannabis farm in the shed of his home in Eerste Exloërmond. Four months of this are conditional.
On October 31, 2024, the officers found 107 cannabis plants in the suspect’s shed. The electricity for the nursery was tapped illegally. The judge finds it proven that the nursery has been in operation since May 2024. The prohibited weapons and ammunition were located in the suspect’s home. The judge finds it amiss that the man has engaged in the illegal trade and distribution of soft drugs by growing cannabis.
The man ignored the fact that soft drugs are substances that can cause damage to health if used long-term. Illegal cultivation is also often accompanied by other forms of crime. In addition, the suspect had almost a kilo of MDMA at home. He tapped electricity illegally and exposed himself and those around him to a short circuit and fire.
Having firearms leads to feelings of insecurity in society, the judge outlined in the judgment. On the other hand, the judge also finds it important that the suspect showed shock during the court hearing. The chance of recurrence is estimated as low. Especially now that the man has stopped using cannabis. Setting up an assistance program is not necessary, the judge believes.
The lawyer would have liked to see the suspect sentenced to community service, but the case is too serious for that. The judge decides on a slightly lower sentence than the previously demanded prison sentence of fourteen months. The suspect must hand over the illegal profits of almost 10,000 euros to the Dutch State.