A 26-year-old man from Dilsen-Stokkem, Limburg, faces 180 hours of community service and a €12,000 fine for drug possession and trafficking. The suspect also had two illegal weapons in his car, for which the prosecutor requested two 3-month prison sentences and an €800 fine.
The drugs and weapons were discovered after the man crashed head-on into another vehicle while fleeing from the police. The driver of the second vehicle was seriously injured.
On 26 November 2023, police received a report from a woman claiming her boyfriend had been assaulted in the Carrefour car park in Herk-De-Stad. On arriving at the scene, police found no one but noticed a vehicle speeding away from the scene.
A chase ensued, resulting in a head-on collision on Saint-Jorislaan in Herk-De-Stad.
The young man attempted to flee on foot but was hindered by a broken ankle. The other driver was severely injured and required spinal surgery.
During the car search, police found 40 ecstasy pills, 25 grammes of speed, some cocaine, and a knife with an axe attached under the driver’s seat mat. A firearm was also discovered in the car.
The man admitted to being a former speed addict but claimed to be clean since he was undergoing therapy. The prosecutor noted that the man had adhered to his release conditions.
The suspect denied selling drugs, although the deputy prosecutor found evidence on his mobile phone.
“I bought the knife and axe in Tongeren. At the Carrefour in Herk-De-Stad, I was attacked by some men who had issues with my girlfriend,” he said.
The weapon, “was a family heirloom from my girlfriend’s grandparents," the young man explained. "We were living in the car at the time and occasionally stayed with my father, mother, or mother-in-law.” He added that he was willing to accept community service or probation conditions if given a suspended sentence.
The verdict is expected on 5 December.
