BRUSSELS – The court in Tongeren sentenced two Dutchman on Monday, aged 25 and 38, each to a year in prison and a fine of EUR 11,000 for operating an ecstasy laboratory in Bree. They will have to serve the full year in prison. The ex-girlfriend of one of those accused was acquitted because of lack of evidence.

The lab was discovered by chance when the emergency services had to be called in February 2005 because of flooding. In the days following the two Dutchmen were seen delivering chemicals on a number of occasions. There was a search of the premises in March 2005.

The Dutchmen refused to talk to authorities in questioning but the court ruled on Monday that there was enough incriminating evidence to convict them for violations of anti-drug legislation. They also had a history of drug involvement.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news