Zwijndrecht mayor shuts down cannabis grow house to curb drug crime
Residents of Zwijndrecht can breathe easier as Mayor Leon Anink orders the closure of a drug den on Mimosastraat. The move targets illegal cannabis cultivation, aiming to restore public order and deter criminal activity in the neighborhood.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mimosastraat, Zwijndrecht, Zuid-Holland |
| Date of Closure | March 20, 2026 |
| Duration of Closure | 3 months |
| Cannabis Plants Found | 168 |
| Legal Basis | Opium Act |
| Reporting Hotline | 0900 – 8844 (Police) or 0800 – 7000 (Meld Misdaad Anoniem) |
| Signs of Suspicious Activity | Strong odors, blacked-out windows, unusual nighttime activity, no snow on roof in winter |
The mayor of Zwijndrecht holds authority under the Opium Act to temporarily close properties involved in illegal drug activities. This action is part of a broader effort by local government, law enforcement, and the Public Prosecution Service to combat undermining crime and maintain public safety.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Mayor closes drug den on Mimosastraat
Mayor Leon Anink ordered the closure of a house in Zwijndrecht on March 20, 2026, for a period of three months. The property is located on Mimosastraat.
Upon inspection, authorities found an active cannabis cultivation operation with a total of 168 cannabis plants. This constitutes a substantial quantity for illegal trade.
Restoring public order
The closure is based on the Opium Act, which grants the mayor the authority to temporarily shut down a property. The measure serves two key purposes. First, closing the premises prevents further drug trade and eliminates foot traffic to the location. Second, the closure sends a clear message that the trade and possession of such quantities of narcotics will not be tolerated within the municipality of Zwijndrecht.
Unified government response to undermining crime
Drug-related crime is a form of undermining crime, which occurs when criminals exploit legitimate businesses or facilities to facilitate illegal activities in the underworld. This interconnectedness weakens the rule of law. Municipalities, the Public Prosecution Service, and the police collaborate to combat undermining crime. One of the methods employed is conducting integrated inspections. Businesses, storage units, and garage boxes are randomly checked. Everyone is subject to these inspections. In Zwijndrecht, integrated inspections are carried out across various sectors. While minor or major irregularities are sometimes uncovered, many inspected parties maintain proper records and compliance.
Stay alert to suspicious signs
The police urge residents to be vigilant for signs such as strong odors, excessive noise, blacked-out windows, a house that appears uninhabited but shows signs of activity (particularly at night), or a lack of snow on the roof during winter despite recent snowfall. Residents who observe concerning or unusual activity are encouraged to contact the police. This can be done by calling 0900 – 8844 or anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800 – 7000 or through www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.
Stay alert to suspicious signs
- strong odors or excessive noise
- blacked-out windows
- a house that appears uninhabited but shows signs of activity, particularly at night
- a lack of snow on the roof during winter despite recent snowfall
Are you concerned or have you noticed unusual activity around a property? Contact the police. You can call 0900 – 8844 or report anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800 – 7000 or through www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.