Nuisance in Uden and drug seizures in Moerdijk: this happened this week

From a ban on gatherings due to nuisance from young people in Uden to mountains of drugs that have been intercepted in Moerdijk in recent months. A lot has happened again this week. These are the five stories you must read this week.

Geert Chatrou from Mierlo has won the world flute championship three times and has toured the world with Cirque du Soleil for the past eight years. Due to the war in the Middle East, the 57-year-old Mierlo resident lost his job, because the circus was going to tour there. Chatrou is now making a new start and hopes to work in street theater or with a circus act. Read his story here.

The municipality of Uden has imposed a ban on gatherings in the center after months of nuisance by young people. Shops are pelted with stones and water balloons, people are sprayed with water and fat bikes almost run over pedestrians. Groups of three or more young people who cause a nuisance can be sent away, violation is punishable. Check it out here.

Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke of Moerdijk is amazed by the mountains of drugs that have been intercepted in recent months: almost 13 tons of cocaine in six months, with a street value of more than half a billion euros. The finds are the result of better cooperation between port employees, police, customs and military police. Moerdijk, with its railways, waterways and highways, is ideal for drug criminals, but also for legitimate businesses. You can read their analysis here.

Carol van de Laar from Waalre got her first tattoo of her children four years ago on her 60th birthday. She had the names of her four children and four grandchildren written in Morse code, as a tribute to her parents who experienced the Second World War. Each grandchild also received a little bird as a symbol of freedom, and Carol added the Unity in Diversity symbol. Read her story here.

Mathieu van der Poel won the E3 Saxo Classic in Harelbeke for the third time in a row on Friday. The 31-year-old Brabander rode largely alone from 64 kilometers before the finish and just kept ahead of four pursuers. Van der Poel, who was still bothered by a hand injury, called it one of his toughest victories but also one of the most fun matches of the year. Read his story here.