With harbor operations like the one on Monday, participating teams aim to contribute now and in the future to the safety and livability in and around Scheveningen Harbor. To combat undermining crime, teams from The Hague municipality, police, Royal Marechaussee, Customs, RIEC, and other partners have increasingly collaborated since 2024 to address violations in and around Scheveningen harbor.

The operation last Monday began in the harbor with vehicle inspections and vessel checks on the water. By simultaneously entering the harbor area with different teams, this contributes to strengthening Joint Harbor Surveillance.
 

Vehicle inspections in harbor

Vehicle inspections took place at Dr. Lelykade. Police, Royal Marechaussee, and Customs inspected a total of 65 vehicles in the harbor. One driver was arrested for an outstanding prison sentence; additionally, his driver’s license had previously been revoked. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed hidden compartments possibly used for transporting drugs. Twelve fines were issued for various traffic violations.

In another vehicle, a user quantity of drugs was found, and a vehicle was seized by the Tax Authority for an outstanding tax debt. In total, over €38,000 in tax debt was collected. Another driver was found with more than 8,800 cigarettes. The driver claimed it was for personal use but had previously been penalized for trading tobacco. The driver will receive an additional assessment of €5,000, and the three shopping bags with cigarette packs were immediately seized.
 

Vessel inspections in harbor and at sea

During inspections of vessels in and around the harbor, various ships were mapped. Investigations will be initiated on some of these vessels. Several small, agile, and fast motorboats, also known as RHIBs (rigid hull inflatable boats), were inspected. Two motorboats had incorrect registration numbers, possibly indicating theft. Another motorboat did not meet CE certification, meaning the boat’s quality does not comply with EU requirements.  A CE certification is mandatory (External link) to comply with safety and environmental regulations for a vessel.
 

Scheveningen harbor operation

Everyone is working hard to improve livability and safety in and around Scheveningen harbor. Through targeted harbor operations, undermining crime in the harbor is tackled. The following partners were present during this harbor operation: Police Unit The Hague, Royal Marechaussee, Customs, Tax Authority, and the Port Authority.
 

See something suspicious in the harbor or nearby? Reporting helps!

Residents and entrepreneurs increasingly report suspicious situations. Thanks to reports from residents and entrepreneurs, violations are detected and addressed. By reporting, police and municipality can take more targeted action to improve livability and safety. Reports are therefore very welcome!

  • Report suspicious situations to the police via phone number 112 (emergency) or 0900 – 8844 (non-emergency police).
  • If it concerns suspicious situations involving drugs or goods trade, report to Customs at 088-151 4444.
  • Report suspicions of human trafficking to the Royal Marechaussee at 0800-1814.
  • Unsafe working conditions or forced labor can be reported via the reporting page of the Dutch Labour Inspectorate (External link).
  • You can also report completely anonymously via Report Crime Anonymously (External link), phone number 0800 – 7000.