Major police crackdown on A32 yields over 130 fines and multiple arrests
A large-scale traffic control on the A32 in Friesland led to over 130 fines and eight arrests for drunk driving. Police also found drugs and caught a driver speeding at 195 km/h. The operation targeted traffic safety and organized crime, impacting hundreds of drivers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | A32 highway between Heerenveen and Wolvega, Friesland |
| Date | March 19, 2026 |
| Fines issued | Over 130 |
| Arrests (DUI) | 8 |
| Speeding violations | Multiple, including one at 195 km/h in a 100 km/h zone |
| Drugs found | Small quantities of soft drugs |
| Mobile phone violations | Several instances observed |
| Agencies involved | Police, RDW, Tax and Customs Administration, GGD, Customs, Royal Marechaussee |
| Technology used | ANPR cameras for license plate detection |
The North Netherlands police unit is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing traffic laws, and combating organized crime in the region. Operations like this are part of their broader strategy to enhance road safety and disrupt criminal networks that undermine society.
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Police conduct major traffic control along A32 in Friesland
During a large-scale traffic control operation along both sides of the A32 between Heerenveen and Wolvega on Thursday, March 19, police checked hundreds of drivers for criminal offenses such as speeding, drug possession, and tax fraud. A large number of police officers participated in the operation, working together with chain partners. The goal: to detect undermining crime and promote general traffic safety.
Results
For this integrated operation, the police collaborated with key chain partners, including the RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority), Tax and Customs Administration, GGD (Municipal Health Service), Customs, and the Royal Marechaussee. By working closely together, they were able to conduct more effective and targeted checks for a variety of criminal offenses.
Hundreds of checks were carried out during the operation. The police issued over 130 fines. There were multiple speeding violations, including one driver traveling at 195 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Eight drivers were arrested for driving under the influence. Officers also observed several instances of mobile phone use while driving. In addition, small quantities of soft drugs were found on multiple occasions.
Furthermore, both overt and covert checks and surveillance were conducted in the vicinity of the A32. These checks also involved the use of a so-called ANPR camera, which can detect license plates and flag suspicious vehicles.
Combating undermining crime
This integrated traffic control operation—organized by police academy students—serves several purposes, including combating undermining criminal activities. Checks were conducted, among other things, for the presence of drugs or other prohibited substances or items.
Undermining crime is a form of organized crime (underworld) in which criminals exploit citizens, institutions, and businesses (above-ground society) for their own gain. This not only has a significant impact on society but also poses a threat to it. Moreover, undermining crime undermines the rule of law. For these reasons, tackling undermining crime is a top priority within the North Netherlands police unit.
Promoting traffic safety
Additionally, integrated traffic control operations like this one contribute to overall road safety. Checks were conducted, for example, for vehicle defects, drivers with outstanding fines, and other traffic violations.