Two men have denied involvement in the deaths and serious injuries caused by liquid MDMA found in abandoned beer bottles, as a second preparatory hearing began this week in Utrecht, Netherlands. The case centers around the deaths of a 49-year-vintage train cleaner and the severe poisoning of a colleague in July 2024, and a separate incident in Capelle aan den IJssel in December 2024 where a man suffered life-altering injuries after consuming the same substance.
The two suspects, identified as Fela D. And Levi L., appeared in court on Thursday, March 20, 2026, where they both claimed limited acquaintance with each other and denied any connection to the MDMA-laced beer bottles. According to reporting from NOS Nieuws, the men were also implicated in the Capelle aan den IJssel case.
The initial incident occurred on July 9, 2024, at a train depot near Utrecht Centraal station. Two train cleaners discovered a bag containing beer bottles filled with liquid MDMA and subsequently drank from them, believing they contained beer. One cleaner died the following day, while the other sustained permanent injuries. RTV Utrecht reported that the liquid MDMA was described by the Trimbos Institute as potentially life-threatening even in small quantities.
Police investigations revealed a similar incident took place in Capelle aan den IJssel on December 21, 2024, where a 46-year-old man suffered severe and lasting health consequences after drinking liquid MDMA from a beer bottle at a friend’s house. Four men have now been arrested in connection with both incidents, according to a December 10, 2025, statement from the Dutch police (Politie.nl). One of the arrested men had previously turned himself in to authorities following a broadcast on the television program Opsporing Gezocht.
Prosecutors allege the two suspects are connected to a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking. The men face charges including manslaughter, attempted manslaughter, and participation in a criminal organization. Despite arguments from the defense requesting their release from pre-trial detention, the court has decided to maintain them held, citing sufficient evidence to warrant continued custody.
The court heard that one of the suspects was captured on camera with the bag containing the bottles found by the train cleaners. Both men maintain their innocence regarding the contents of the bottles. The case is scheduled to continue on June 12, 2026.
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