Rotterdam Drug Lab Explosion: Hero Turned Suspect Faces Death Charges

Things are getting complicated for Jalal O., the man arrested five days after the deadly explosion on January 29, 2024, which occurred in a large part of a commercial premises (drug laboratory) located under the apartments of Schammenkap in Rotterdam. If he was only being prosecuted for drug production - an offense punishable by a much less severe sentence - another charge has been brought against him. According to the investigation conducted by the Netherlands Forensic Institute (Nederlands Forensisch Instituut), he is suspected of having caused an explosion resulting in death. Given that it is now possible to establish the link between the explosion and the drug laboratory.

To recall, three people lost their lives in this explosion. They are Kamran Khan (43 years old), Ylyass (22 years old), Jalal’s nephew, and Mustafa (33 years old). The cause of this explosion was acetone vapors. Acetone is defined as a substance used in drug laboratories for the processing of cocaine. This substance is highly flammable and therefore extremely dangerous.

Trouble is on the horizon for Jalal O. who has always denied any involvement in the drug laboratory. Pending his trial under electronic surveillance, the date of which is not yet known, he is currently on parole. His lawyer Cem Kekik is nevertheless optimistic: "In my opinion, nothing has been added that would prove that my client is involved in the drug laboratory. I am convinced that O. was unaware of the laboratory, and therefore cannot be held criminally responsible for the victims’ deaths."

On the side of the victims’ relatives, the expansion of the indictment brings relief. They will now be able to claim compensation, have access to the criminal file and file a victim statement.