The figures come from the National Overview of Drug Locations 2024, published on Thursday, May 8. Never before have so many drug production locations been discovered and dismantled in one year in the Netherlands as in 2024, according to the figures: 167 in total. Only in the police units Rotterdam and Zeeland West-Brabant were more production locations found than in East Netherlands.
Rural Areas
While more and more drug labs are being found in residential areas across the Netherlands, the police still find relatively many labs in rural areas in the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. ‘In all cases, such production locations pose great risks to the surrounding area. This crime is really at the core of undermining. It has many faces, such as excessive violence, fraudulent companies, and other undermining activities that go along with it. These are not always visible but are very socially disruptive,’ says portfolio holder Yannick van Veldhoven.
Reports
Nationally, the number of reports about drug production locations again increased, for example via Meld Misdaad Anoniem. This pleases Van Veldhoven, but he also makes a strong appeal to the residents of East Netherlands: ‘Without tips, we are nowhere. Especially in the rural areas, we can really use the ears and eyes of local residents. Is there a suspicious vacant building in your street? Or do you see activities in the evening that feel off? Reporting can be low-threshold and even completely anonymous via M. It gives us the opportunity to start an investigation. In case of catching someone in the act, you can always call 112.’
Dumping
The number of drug waste dumpings was slightly lower in 2024 with 35 compared to the previous year (41), but there was a nationwide increase of 14 %. Criminals, of course, do not adhere to provincial borders and often look for a quiet or remote place to dump this waste. Especially with this phenomenon, any information can help trace the dumping back to a perpetrator and the criminal network behind it, says Van Veldhoven. ‘It is important to realize that tackling this undermining crime is our top priority, and therefore we will continue to encounter and dismantle production locations every year.
Cannabis
In addition to hard drugs, the number of cannabis farms has also been included in the annual national drug figures. In the East Netherlands unit, the number of rolled-up cannabis farms has been declining for years, as is the case for all other units. After the Limburg unit, the most cannabis farms were dismantled in East Netherlands in 2024: 116 in total.
It is also seen that cannabis is increasingly being imported from abroad, making production in the Netherlands less necessary for criminals. Both Customs and the Royal Marechaussee seized more cannabis from abroad last year.
Want to report something?
Reporting can be done in various ways, at the police via 0900-8844 or anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem (0800-7000). Tips are always treated confidentially and are never traceable to the reporter. With these reports, the police can start or further assist an investigation. On www.houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl, you can read more about what suspicious signals are and what you can do if you see them.