This is evident from figures from the National Overview of Drug Locations 2024, published on Thursday, May 8.

Many Dumpings
Nationally, a total of 217 drug waste dumpings were discovered in 2024, compared to 191 in 2023. This is an increase of 14 percent compared to 2023 and the highest number of dumpings since 2018. When looking at the unit level, the most drug dumpings were discovered in our province, followed by the units East Netherlands (35) and Zeeland West-Brabant (32). At the provincial level, North Brabant has the most drug dumpings with 53, followed by Limburg with 42.

Border Region
“Our province is unfortunately an attractive area. There are also many production locations in the border regions, and geographically speaking, waste is not quickly transported 100 kilometers,” says Mike Henssen, sector head North and Central Limburg and portfolio holder for undermining at Unit Limburg. “Last year we worked more closely with municipalities to better register the dumpings. You can now see that reflected in the figures.” According to Henssen, criminals are becoming increasingly inventive and unscrupulous in getting rid of their drug waste. “For example, last year in Vlodrop, we had a case where drug waste was found in a manure silo. It is very dangerous if drug waste ends up in the ground.”

Cannabis Farms
In 2024, fewer cannabis farms were dismantled than the year before. From 1230 in 2023 to 895 cannabis farms in 2024. The number of dismantled cannabis farms has been declining for years. Just like last year, the most cannabis farms were dismantled in Unit Limburg (157), followed by the units East Netherlands (116) and Rotterdam (108). “The number has been decreasing for years, but we do score the highest with 157 farms as a unit. A possible explanation is the high willingness to report through, among other things, Report Crime Anonymously. This is the highest in our unit,” says Henssen. “Additionally, the international location of our unit plays a role. We also have areas in our unit where the socio-economic situation is worse, making the step towards undermining crime a logical consequence.”

Import
Although relatively many cannabis farms have been dismantled in Limburg, the number has been declining for years. According to Henssen, the decrease in the number of dismantlings is partly due to choices being made in the work together with the competent authority. “The focus is more on cocaine or synthetic drugs than on cannabis. Additionally, cannabis is increasingly being imported from abroad, making production in the Netherlands less necessary for criminals. Both Customs and the Royal Military Police seized more cannabis from abroad last year.”

Willingness to Report
The number of reports has also increased. Report Crime Anonymously (M.) received a total of 12,307 tips nationwide last year about international drug trafficking, drug labs, cannabis cultivation, and street or home-based trading. This is 4 percent more than in 2023. Limburg accounted for 2214 reports. Ultimately, thanks to anonymous tips, 295 suspects were tracked down.

How Dangerous is Drug Waste?
Drug waste is toxic, corrosive, or flammable waste. It can catch fire or explode. Furthermore, drug waste can contaminate groundwater and/or drinking water and pollute the soil. In short, it can impact public health.

How Can I Recognize a Production Location?

• In a production location, there is a strong smell of chemicals, such as solvents (acetone).
• To prevent it from smelling outside, cracks in unused windows and doors are often sealed, for example with spray foam.
• Extraction systems with carbon filters often vent the air through the roof.
• Production locations are often near factories or farms that also smell (manure odor). This makes the smell of the drug lab less noticeable.

Reporting
Recognizing signals by citizens remains of great importance for detection. This can involve dilapidated buildings, suspicious activities, or unexplained luxury in the neighborhood. Drug labs and storage places are dangerous. Consider the risks of fire and explosion or the danger of criminals attracted to these places. Moreover, drug labs and waste are very harmful to the environment and public health. Have you seen something suspicious? Report it via 0900-8844 or via Report Crime Anonymously 0800-7000.