A major operation led by the Civil Guard dismantled an illegal explosives workshop and shooting range located on a rural property in Campos del Río, Murcia. The suspect, a 35-year-old Dutch national, was arrested at the scene and identified as responsible for the crimes connected to the illegal storage of ammunition and explosives, the illicit production of explosives, and related safety risks around the handling of dangerous agents.
The operation, named Bull Man, began after authorities noticed a sequence of explosions in a countryside area of Campos del Río. Early inquiries traced the blasts to a country house where the Dutch resident shared the property with other individuals. Records indicate a history of fire incidents linked to pyrotechnic devices.
During the real estate inspection, investigators seized a substantial quantity of material including approximately 500 metal cartridges of various calibers, more than 500 grams of explosive mixtures, a large quantity of fuse used for remote detonation, batteries, cables, connectors, radio frequency emitters and receivers, a handmade electric initiator, and a vast number of bullets that could be used as shrapnel.
maneuvering area
At the entrance of the same plot, authorities uncovered a purpose-built shooting range and a separate maneuvering area featuring multiple large craters that appear to have formed from the detonation of improvised devices.
Investigators believe the suspect was involved in the production of improvised explosive devices from fireworks and had powered these devices with other heavy objects to create shrapnel or additional charges. Detonations were remotely triggered using electric detonators and makeshift initiation systems crafted by hand. The discovery of a completely emptied butane gas cylinder near the residence underscored the ongoing fire risk associated with the illicit activity.
An official inquiry has been opened into the operations conducted by the detained individual, along with the seized ammunition and pyrotechnic materials. The case is being processed by the Mula Court of First Instance and Order No. 1, with investigations ongoing.
This report is based on the Civil Guard’s accounts and the formal actions taken at the time of the intervention. [Citation: Civil Guard press release, Spain]