The Hague residents surrender 250kg of fireworks and 19 weapons

During a safety week in The Hague held from October 5 to 11, 2026, residents surrendered nearly 250 kilograms of fireworks and 19 weapons. This represents a significant increase from the 80 kilograms of fireworks handed in during the previous year.

The surrendered weapons included knives, a machete, a brass knuckle, and a ‘ploertendoder’. Mayor Jan van Zanen noted that the increase in surrendered fireworks may be linked to a national consumer ban on fireworks that went into effect on August 1, 2026.

In addition to the surrender program, police conducted inspections at ten secondary schools and emptied security lockers at hospitality venues. The locker inspections resulted in the seizure of 26 weapons and approximately eight kilograms of drugs.