advertentieThe police found a total of 167 locations in 2024 where synthetic drugs, heroin and/or cocaine were produced, an increase of more than 10 percent compared to the previous record in 2023 (151). The most drug labs were discovered in the province of South Holland (51), followed by North Brabant (38) and North Holland (19). The reason so many labs were found in South Holland is partly due to the concentration of cutting and/or pressing of blocks of cocaine and heroin in this province.
More than 58 percent of the drug labs (98 out of 167) were found in residential areas. Not only sheds, garages, and business premises are used, most production sites have been found in an apartment or other type of residence. A worrying trend, according to Woelders. The significant risks that criminals knowingly take in drug production have direct, far-reaching consequences for residents. Their safety is at stake. That it can go terribly wrong, we have seen multiple times. For example, in the explosion at Schammenkamp in Rotterdam, where a drug lab was presumably the cause.
Woelders urges people to report suspicious signals to the police. Be alert to chemical odors, taped windows and doors, suspicious individuals driving around with vans at odd hours, entering and exiting properties, etc. These can be signals that there is a drug lab in your neighborhood. In combating this society-disrupting crime, we need everyones help.
Storage Locations and Drug Transport
In 2024, a total of 103 storage locations were found, a slight decrease compared to 2023 (120). At these locations, goods are stored that are used for various production processes, such as hardware (glassware, boilers, etc.), chemicals, and/or cutting agents for drug production. Last year, the police intercepted 33 drug transports and seized the goods. The majority involved the transport of chemicals for drug production. In 2023, there were 51 transports.
Such transports can be life-threatening for other road users and residents, emphasizes Woelders, because drug criminals do not adhere to strict safety requirements for transporting chemicals. Such road transports are found throughout the country on both highways and provincial roads and at border crossings. Sometimes colleagues come across them by chance during a regular traffic control, and of course, we also take targeted actions to intercept these transports.
Dumping Locations for Drug Waste
In 2024, a total of 217 drug waste dumpings were discovered, compared to 191 in 2023. This is an increase of 14 percent compared to 2023 and the highest number of dumpings since 2018. As in previous years, most dumpings were found in the province of North Brabant (53). After that, the most waste was dumped in the provinces of Limburg (42) and North Holland (39).
The discovered drug waste dumpings mostly involved jerry cans or larger barrels that were dumped in nature or on deserted roads. Additionally, the police suspect that more is being dumped in or on the ground. There have been several dumpings discovered where this was the case, Woelders says. Criminals are becoming increasingly inventive and ruthless in getting rid of their drug waste. For example, in Baarle-Nassau, drug waste was spread on three fields mixed with manure. In Amsterdam, waste processors discovered drug waste in public underground waste containers. In some cases, the liquid leaked from the garbage truck when emptying the containers.
Hemp Cultivation
In 2024, fewer hemp farms were dismantled than the previous year. From 1230 in 2023 to 895 hemp farms in 2024. The number of dismantled hemp farms has been declining for years. Like last year, most hemp farms were dismantled in the Limburg unit (157), followed by the East Netherlands units (116) and Rotterdam (108). This year, a decrease in the number of dismantled hemp farms is seen in all units. Last year, there was still an increase in three units.
The decrease in the number of dismantlings, according to Woelders, is partly due to the local triangle making different choices in their drug approach. The emphasis is more on cocaine or synthetic drugs than on hemp. Additionally, hemp is increasingly imported from abroad, making production in the Netherlands less necessary for criminals. Both Customs and the Royal Marechaussee seized more hemp from abroad last year.
Plug Plants, Dryers, and Grow Shops
In addition to farms, hemp plug plants, dryers, and grow shops were also dismantled in 2024. A total of 31 plug plants were cleared, most in the Zeeland-West Brabant units (9) and North Holland (8). Last year there were still 43. The number of dryers has actually increased. From 20 in 2023 to 25 dryers in 2024. Most dryers were dismantled in the East Netherlands unit (10), Zeeland-West Brabant (6), and North Netherlands (5). The police closed 7 grow shops, 5 more than last year. Of the 7 closed grow shops, 5 were located in the Den Haag unit.
Willingness to Report
The number of reports has also increased. Meld Misdaad Anoniem (M.) received 12,307 tips last year about international drug trafficking, drug labs, hemp cultivation, and street or home sales. This is 4 percent more than in 2023. Recognizing signals by citizens remains crucial for detection. It can be about dilapidated buildings, suspicious activities, or unexplained luxury in the neighborhood. Drug labs and storage places are dangerous. Think of risks of fire and explosion or the danger of criminals attracting to these places. Moreover, drug labs and waste are very harmful to the environment and public health.
Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood
Tackling drug crime requires a long breath and not just from the police and judiciary. A broad (integrated) approach is needed in which the government collaborates with businesses and citizens. Do you have tips about the presence of such criminal activities? Then report it to the police.
Reporting can be done in various ways, to the police via 0900-844 or anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem (0800-7000). Tips are always treated confidentially and can never be traced back to the reporter. With these reports, the police can start or further assist an investigation. At houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl you can discover what suspicious signals are and what you can do if you see, hear, or smell them.