Many (by)catch during joint inspection in the Waalhaven

Gebied: Rotterdam

On Friday, November 21, the Police, Tax Authorities, ILT, and Veilig Verkeer Nederland conducted a joint inspection in the Waalhaven in Rotterdam, known as De Haven op Slot. The focus was on undermining activities, unexplained wealth, and possession of illegal weapons or drugs. Ninety-five vehicles were checked, resulting in numerous fines for violations such as faulty lighting, driving under the influence, and driving without a license. One person was arrested for drug possession, and two others for weapons offenses. Additional fines were issued for various other violations, including failure to show valid ID and non-compliance with ADR rules for transporting hazardous materials.

Partners Results

The Tax Authorities inspected 26 vehicles, seizing five of them. A total of €197,286.30 was confiscated. The Municipality of Rotterdam seized four vehicles due to unpaid municipal taxes totaling €36,032.

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate checked 13 trucks and 6 taxis, resulting in various fines, including for poor tire conditions, daily rest periods, and BSN fraud on the tachograph. Customs also conducted inspections, discovering 20,440 cigarettes. The owner received a surcharge/fine of €9,000.

An undermining operation always yields bycatch. While the initial focus is on undermining signals, the various partners do not overlook other important matters, such as traffic safety and gathering information that can assist in ongoing or future criminal investigations.

Strong Attraction

The Port of Rotterdam contains essential distribution networks and is an important logistics hub. This logistics sector is also significant for criminals to smuggle illegal goods on a large scale and launder the earned money. Due to its good infrastructure, the entire port has a strong attraction for organized crime.

Where for a long time safety efforts were mainly based on criminal law, awareness and the importance of integrated cooperation have greatly increased. As one government, you increase the joint effectiveness in tackling undermining. Integrated cooperation in the Port of Rotterdam is of great importance.

Importance of Inspections

Undermining crime is the mixing of the underworld and the upper world. Criminals exploit citizens, entrepreneurs, services, institutions, and companies for their own gain and interest. Undermining undermines the rule of law and endangers the safety of society. Citizens and entrepreneurs sometimes come into contact with undermining crime under duress. Residents in their neighborhoods may face intimidation, violence, but also risks of fire from cannabis plantations, drug labs, and environmental pollution from drug dumping. For legitimate companies, it is difficult to survive when unfair competition exists because competitors do not have to earn money from the products sold.

Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood

Help us tackle undermining in your neighborhood. If you see suspicious situations, report them! A house with taped windows, condensation, and a strange smell may indicate a cannabis plantation or drug lab. A house with many people coming and going late at night, possibly carrying large shopping bags, could be a drug lab or dealing location. A shop with no customers but whose owner drives an expensive car. Children without jobs suddenly wearing very expensive clothes or shoes. Be alert to signs of undermining and report! Together we keep crime out of your neighborhood.

You can report to the police at 0900-8844. If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000.