Vaals takes action: two buildings closed for three months due to drug trade
Residents in Vaals may notice increased safety measures as the municipality shuts down two buildings linked to illegal soft drug trade. The closures, effective immediately, aim to curb drug-related nuisance and protect local neighborhoods for the next three months.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Seffenterstraat and Maastrichterlaan, Vaals, Limburg |
| Reason for Closure | Trade quantities of soft drugs found, exceeding personal use limits |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Legal Basis | Opium Act, Article 13b |
| Authorities Involved | Municipality of Vaals, Police, ACT! Intervention team |
| Mayor’s Statement | "We take a firm stand against drug trade to protect residents." |
The municipality of Vaals is responsible for local law enforcement and public safety under the Opium Act. It collaborates with police and intervention teams to address drug-related nuisance and enforce closures of properties linked to illegal activities.
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Municipality of Vaals closes two buildings based on Damocles policy
The mayor of the municipality of Vaals has temporarily closed two buildings based on the Opium Act.
These are buildings on Seffenterstraat and Maastrichterlaan. In these buildings, trade quantities of soft drugs were found. The buildings have therefore been closed immediately for a period of three months.
Reason for the closures
After an investigation by the police, in cooperation with the municipality and the ACT! Intervention team, a stock of soft drugs intended for trade was found in the homes on Seffenterstraat and Maastrichterlaan. This quantity exceeds what is allowed for personal use.
The Opium Act (article 3) prohibits the preparation, processing, transport, possession, and trade of soft drugs. Under article 13b of the Opium Act, the mayor has the authority to close buildings when there is trade in or from a home or associated property.
According to the Enforcement Policy on drugs and other (residential) nuisance of the municipality of Vaals, a building is closed for three months upon a first finding of a trade quantity of soft drugs. This is intended to stop drug trade, restore safety, and prevent nuisance for neighbors.
Mayor Leunessen about the closure of the buildings: "In Vaals, we take a firm stand against drug trade. Closing buildings is an important means to protect our residents and neighborhoods. Together with the police, we remain alert and intervene where necessary."