Six-month closure for Noordbroek shed after police uncover large cannabis farm
A shed in Noordbroek has been shut down for six months after police discovered nearly 180 cannabis plants, signaling drug trafficking. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as rural areas become hotspots for illegal activities like cannabis cultivation.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Noordbroek, Midden-Groningen municipality, Groningen province |
| Discovery Date | February 2026 (closure ordered April 1, 2026) |
| Cannabis Plants Found | Nearly 180 |
| Closure Duration | 6 months |
| Electricity Tampering | Used outside the meter for cultivation |
| Campaign | "Samen sterk voor een veilig buitengebied" (Safe Countryside Initiative) |
| Reporting Hotline | Meld Misdaad Anoniem (Anonymous Crime Reporting) |
The municipality of Midden-Groningen, led by Mayor Erica van Lente, is responsible for local law enforcement and public safety measures, including addressing drug-related crime. It collaborates with regional initiatives to combat illegal activities in rural areas and protect communities.
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Mayor closes shed in Noordbroek after cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking
Mayor Erica van Lente of the municipality of Midden-Groningen ordered a shed in Noordbroek to be closed for six months on Monday. This follows the discovery of a cannabis cultivation operation in the shed. In February, police found nearly 180 cannabis plants there. Additionally, electricity was being used for the cultivation operation outside the meter.
The large number of cannabis plants suggests the drugs were intended for trafficking. As a result, the mayor has closed the shed for six months to halt its role in drug trafficking.
Rural areas vulnerable to crime
The discovery in Noordbroek highlights how rural areas are vulnerable to crime. In this case, criminals rented a shed in the countryside and used it for cannabis cultivation.
Mayor Erica van Lente stated: “Unfortunately, we still often see owners of sheds or barns in rural areas accepting attractive offers, such as renting out their property. I urge anyone who receives such an offer to carefully consider whether the proposal is legitimate. Often, it is not, and the space is used for illegal activities. If in doubt, do not accept the offer and report it to the police, the municipality, or via ‘M’: Meld Misdaad Anoniem.”
Working together against drug-related crime
In 2023, the regional campaign “Samen sterk voor een veilig buitengebied” (Working together for a safe countryside) was launched. Various organizations collaborate in this effort to combat drug-related crime in rural areas. The municipality of Midden-Groningen is also involved.
The approach focuses on raising awareness and increasing the willingness to report suspicious activity. People are taught to recognize warning signs and know where to report them. This helps them become more aware of what is happening in their own surroundings, understand the risks, and know how to safely report suspicious situations if they notice something amiss.
Reporting
Do you have information about criminal activities? Have you seen something suspicious or been approached for something that made you uneasy? Such information can help track down offenders and stop crime: