A major police operation in Tilburg, a city in the Netherlands, has taken local authorities by surprise after two firearms and drugs were discovered inside the building of the Moroccan Foundation Tilburg (MAST). The foundation, which had previously received municipal support, is now under investigation following Friday night's raid, Dutch media reported. Shortly before 11 p.m., police stormed the premises with heavy force : four SWAT teams, around thirty patrol cars, and a drone were deployed. About thirty people were inside the building at the time. Three men were arrested: two, aged 32 and 49, remain in custody on suspicion of firearm possession, while a third, 35, was released after failing to identify himself. Quantities of soft and hard drugs were also seized. «As landlords, we were taken aback by this raid», said a municipal spokesperson. «The police are investigating further, and the mayor is awaiting their findings. Based on that, we will consider a decision». For now, the clubhouse remains open. The incident comes as a blow to the municipality, which last year helped the foundation by writing off over €8,300 in rent debt accumulated during the pandemic. Despite ongoing financial difficulties and questions about its management, the city decided to give MAST «one last chance» in recognition of its «good work». «MAST offers a meeting place for a loyal group of about fifty people with a Moroccan migration background, assists with administrative paperwork, and organizes youth activities in Tilburg-Noord», the municipality said in 2024. At that time, the foundation was reportedly meeting its rent and repayment obligations.
