SEK operation in Berlin-Oberschöneweide: Suspected drug dealer arrested after several-hour siege

The officers deployed then proceeded to the suspect's apartment on the third upper floor of a multi-family building. „Die Beamten nahmen aus der Wohnung Geräusche sowie starken Cannabisgeruch wahr" and subsequently obtained a search warrant. „Der 36-Jährige öffnete die Tür weder auf Klingeln noch auf wiederholte Aufforderungen hin", it was further stated.

Situation on site: Barricades, cannabis smell, and flames

At the scene, the operation forces secured numerous plant pots as well as parts of an irrigation system. Inside the apartment, officers secured more than five kilograms of cannabis. The forces had also „Kurz darauf [...] Brandgeruch und Flammen aus dem Inneren der Wohnung wahr" genommen, prompting the evacuation of the multi-family building and the summoning of the fire department for technical support.

When the operation forces attempted to force open the door, they succeeded only partially. „Offenbar hatte der Mann die Eingangstür sowie Teile der Wohnung mit Europaletten verbarrikadiert." A special operations commando unit (SEK) was then called in. „Schließlich verschaffte sich ein SEK-Trupp gewaltsam Zugang zur Wohnung und setzte einen Diensthund ein, um den Mann festzunehmen." The fire eventually went out on its own; extinguishing measures were not required.

Arrest by the SEK: Injuries and psychiatric examination

During the arrest, the 36-year-old sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital. „Wegen psychischer Auffälligkeiten wurde er zudem einer diensthabenden Psychologin vorgestellt" and admitted as an inpatient, as police further reported. „Die restlichen Bewohner des Hauses wurden laut Polizei evakuiert" and were able to return to their apartments after the operation ended.

Police announced that the investigations would be continued. Regarding the possible background of the plantation, the origin of the seized cannabis, and any possible distribution structure, police initially provided no further information. Nor were any details initially given regarding the man's identity and his possible motive.

Reactions and investigation status

The incident occurred in a residential area in eastern Berlin, characterized predominantly by multi-family buildings. Residents watched the operation from close range and reported a large deployment of police vehicles as well as a helicopter above the building. Wilhelminenhofstraße was closed for several hours during the operation.

Operations of this scale are not an everyday occurrence in Berlin-Oberschöneweide, but also not isolated cases. In recent years, police in various districts have repeatedly uncovered larger cannabis plantations operated in private apartments. Officers emphasized that the witness had made a decisive contribution to the investigation through his call.