The Rijnmond Zuid-West district is large. Three basic teams and the district investigation team of the Rotterdam police are responsible for the safety from Ouddorp to Ridderkerk. “Drug crime is a major threat to the safety of citizens,” says Marc Boer, portfolio holder for drugs. Therefore, the Rijnmond Zuid-West drug team was established last year to enhance the local approach to undermining crime together with municipalities and partners. After a year, the balance is now being assessed.
Knowledge and Customization
Each area has its own challenges, requiring customization. On Goeree-Overflakkee, the focus is on synthetic drugs, while in the urban area of Oude Maas, the emphasis is on cocaine and heroin. “With our drug team, we combine knowledge and offer customization,” Boer explains. This has led to the approach Fresh Wind, which addresses drug-related nuisance on Goeree-Overflakkee. Through close cooperation with the Public Prosecution Service and the basic team, about 70 properties were closed last year, including 30 on the island.
Collaboration
Boer aims to strengthen cooperation with partners and the Public Prosecution Service further. “The results are already visible,” he says. For example, last summer, text messages were sent to 900 contacts found in confiscated phones of drug dealers. This raises awareness among potential users. “Drugs are a matter of supply and demand,” Boer states. The municipality also offers assistance to residents with addictions, which is an important part of the approach against drug use on Goeree-Overflakkee.
‘A safe and livable municipality requires cooperation’
“Residents and entrepreneurs are essential in the fight against undermining,” Mayor Grootenboer continues. Through the app Report a suspicion, anonymous reports can be made. These are treated confidentially and investigated seriously. Together with the police and other partners, the municipality works to combat crime and addiction issues. The Together See approach encourages residents to think along and contribute to solutions.
Drugs with a street value of € 2.6 million
“We look back on a good year,” says Boer. The drug team has seized over 2700 kg of drugs and cutting agents in the Rijnmond Zuid-West district, with a street value of € 2.6 million. This includes over 1000 ecstasy pills and 35 kg of ketamine. Additionally, 48 suspects were arrested, and various firearms and cash were seized.
Worrying rise of procaine
Boer is concerned about the rise of procaine, a cheap cutting agent for cocaine. It is often produced under dangerous conditions, using acetone as one of the substances. “We frequently find procaine processing plants in apartments, which is life-threatening,” Boer says. Last year, over 2550 kg of procaine was seized. It is crucial for people to report suspicious situations immediately.
Beyond the district borders
The drug team also collaborates with other teams within the Rotterdam police and customs. Boer: “We were recently asked to help with a procaine seizure at Schiphol. Our experience allows us to be effective even beyond our district borders.”