Major cannabis bust in Ridderkerk: hundreds of plants seized in industrial estate raid
Residents of Ridderkerk can breathe easier after authorities dismantled a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation in Donkersloot. The raid, part of a broader safety crackdown, also uncovered illegal living quarters and other violations, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat crime in the area.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Donkersloot industrial estate, Ridderkerk |
| Date of raid | March 19, 2026 |
| Cannabis plants discovered | Hundreds |
| Additional findings | Illegal sleeping quarters, other regulatory violations |
| Agencies involved | Municipality of Ridderkerk, ROBT, Dutch Labour Inspectorate, Stedin, DCMR, etc. |
| Reporting hotline | Crime Stoppers (0800-7000) or email to the municipality |
The Municipality of Ridderkerk, in collaboration with regional enforcement agencies, plays a key role in maintaining public safety and combating criminal activities like illegal cannabis cultivation. These inspections are part of a structured approach to address undermining crime and ensure a secure environment for businesses and residents.
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Cannabis cultivation operation dismantled following comprehensive inspection
A professional cannabis cultivation operation was dismantled on Thursday, March 19, at an industrial estate in Donkersloot. During a comprehensive inspection of a business premises, hundreds of cannabis plants were discovered.
The cannabis cultivation operation was immediately dismantled. In another business premises, illegal sleeping quarters were found. Additionally, various other violations of laws and regulations, as well as irregularities, were uncovered. These matters will be followed up on.
Collaboration
The comprehensive inspection in Donkersloot is part of an area-focused approach to structurally improve safety at the industrial estate. The inspection involved collaboration between the Municipality of Ridderkerk, the Regional Operational Administrative Team (ROBT) of the Regional Information and Expertise Centre (RIEC), the Dutch Labour Inspectorate (Nla), Stedin, the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region, the Central Environmental Management Rijnmond (DCMR), and Twickelerveld, which specialises in detection dogs.
Mayor Marco Oosterwijk stated: “Businesses in Ridderkerk must be able to operate safely and properly. It is clear that undermining criminal activity, such as cannabis cultivation and illegal habitation, does not contribute to this. I am pleased with the efforts at the Donkersloot industrial estate and thank all parties involved for their commitment during this inspection. We will continue these actions. Together, we are working towards a safer Ridderkerk.”
Reporting
The mayor also emphasised the importance of reporting suspicious situations or a ‘gut feeling’: “Signals of possible undermining, such as unusual activity around premises, unknown individuals frequently coming and going, or strong chemical odours, can help uncover and address irregularities sooner. Don’t hesitate to report them!”
Reports can be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers (0800-7000) or directly to the municipality via email.