Rural Area Inspections
Rural areas are attractive to criminals. Criminals often misuse greenhouses, barns, or sheds for activities such as drug production. Farmers and entrepreneurs are approached to rent out these sheds for illegal activities. This can cause major problems for the entrepreneurs, especially since they often do not realize what is happening and are ashamed to talk about it once they discover it. For these reasons, municipalities and police regularly speak with entrepreneurs in rural areas about undermining crime and its risks, aiming to increase their resilience.
Cannabis
On Tuesday, November 4, the BOAs (special enforcement officers) of the municipality of Hilversum and the police visited several of these farms in Hilversum. During an inspection at a farm on Egelshoek, they checked the sheds on the premises together with the farm owner. In one of the sheds, cannabis-related goods and dozens of kilos of cannabis were found. Everything was seized and destroyed.
The owner of the shed was interrogated at the police station. The police are conducting further investigations into the case.
Recognize and Report Suspicious Signs
If you notice anything strange in your neighborhood or at work, visit houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl to learn about suspicious signs that may indicate criminal activities and what you can do if you see them or are concerned. If you suspect drugs are being stored or produced somewhere, report it to the police via 0900-8844. You can also report anonymously via ‘Meld Misdaad Anoniem’ at phone number 0800-7000.
