At the end of October, passers-by and forestry workers found large numbers of illegally dumped containers, some containing unknown liquids, in several wooded areas in Schleswig-Holstein. In one case near Heidmoor in the Segeberg district emergency services found around 100 containers, according to the fire service; in another case between Lutzhorn and Heidmoor, there were around 70 containers. The sites were cordoned off at short notice and examined by specialist teams. Local authorities say the containers may hold hazardous substances; investigations into the risks to soil and groundwater are under way. (As at October 2026). ([ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/pinneberg_segeberg_stormarn/illegal-entsorgte-kanister-im-kreis-segeberg-waldboden-verunreinigt%2Ckanister-104.html?utm_source=openai))
Police, State Criminal Police Office and environmental agencies say they are working together to establish the origin and contents of the containers. The authorities have not ruled out the possibility that they contain residues from illegally operated drug laboratories; similar waste has reportedly been dumped repeatedly in forests and along field margins in the past. No concrete findings from laboratory tests were available by the time of publication. Investigators point out that only chemical analysis can provide reliable information about the composition of the liquids found. ([ardmediathek.de](https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/markt/illegale-muellentsorgung-chemikalien-aus-drogenlaboren/ndr/Y3JpZDovL25kci5kZS9kMzFiMjJlZS02ZmY5LTQzYTktYTFhNy1jMTg2Yjg4MDc1M2I?utm_source=openai))
The affected areas were secured by fire brigade and environmental authorities ; covers were reportedly put in place where large quantities were found to reduce run-off caused by rain. Licensed waste disposal contractors and specialist companies were brought in to retrieve and examine the containers safely. According to media reports, the districts and relevant authorities have taken samples, which are now being analysed in specialist laboratories. Until the analyses are complete, statements about potential health risks to residents or emergency workers have been cautious. ([ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/pinneberg_segeberg_stormarn/illegal-entsorgte-kanister-im-kreis-segeberg-waldboden-verunreinigt%2Ckanister-104.html?utm_source=openai))
Background: Barrels and containers holding chemicals that may be linked to the production of synthetic drugs have repeatedly been found in several German states in recent months. Investigators see a pattern: large quantities of hazardous waste are professionally dumped in remote places to cover up traces. Environmental assessments and possible risk evaluations, as well as forensic evidence collection, are relevant to the ongoing criminal proceedings. So far, no arrests have been publicly reported in connection with the recent finds in Schleswig-Holstein. ([www1.wdr.de](https://www1.wdr.de/nrw/muensterland/kreis-warendorf/faesser-sendenhorst-drensteinfurt-drogen-100.amp?utm_source=openai))
Facts are reported as such; any possible links to drug laboratories are, at this stage, suspicions expressed by investigating authorities and remain subject to laboratory analysis and further police investigations.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).