During the checkpoint, several individuals were arrested, over sixty fines were issued, and one ghost vehicle was confiscated.
For this operation, the highway towards Maastricht near the Patiel rest area, close to the Belgian border, was closed between 14:30 and 21:30. Traffic was diverted off the highway for police checks. Vehicles were randomly inspected here.
This resulted in three arrests, including one person with nine months of prison time outstanding. Additionally, someone was arrested for possession of hard drugs and another person who had an asylum application pending in another country. Furthermore, sixteen people were driving under the influence of narcotics.
Other notable statistics:
- A driver was found carrying illegal explosive fireworks;
- Confiscation of a ghost vehicle;
- User quantities of hard and soft drugs were seized from multiple individuals;
- A bus transporting people had a non-functioning emergency exit. The driver was only allowed to continue driving once it was repaired.
The checkpoint involved collaboration with various police teams, such as the Traffic Team and the Department of Immigration Police, Identification and Human Trafficking (AVIM). Police zones Voeren and Bilzen/Hoeselt/Riemst were also involved. Close cooperation was maintained with partners such as the municipalities of Maastricht and Eijsden-Margraten, customs, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, and the Public Prosecution Service.
Undermining in traffic
Organized crime undermines society. Criminals abuse legal facilities, companies, and transport agencies to carry out and transport illegal activities. This mixing of the underworld and the upper world brings entrepreneurs and transporters into contact with undermining crime. The police prioritize tackling the transport of illegal goods such as weapons and drugs and the illegal transport of people. Criminals need (regional and cross-border) transport; it is an indispensable link in the criminal business process.
