Dutch hard drug policy can be trashed

by Team Inc.

2019-05-17-Dutch hard drug policy can go in the trash

According to Minister Grapperhaus, the production and distribution of all drugs from the heaviest category in the Opium Act (cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and ghb) must be tackled very hard. Exactly it 'War on Drugs'policies that cause you a lot of trouble, because legalization is supposedly not an option. Worldwide, no less than 90 billion euros is spent on this drug war. And that while the illegal drug trade and the black money flow, liquidations and so on, are only increasing.

The current drug policy has become unsustainable, experts said. This was evident from the publication of 'De Schiedamse cocaine nafia' by NRC crime reporter Jan Meeus. He tested his findings against scientists and police officers.

Illegal circuit

Justice maintains a policy of bans on resources that entire tribes want access to. At house parties and festivals, everyone is on a roll, takes a sniff, or floats along the stages on a hint of hash or cannabis. Organized crime makes eager use of this, making the effects increasingly painful. A record amount of cocaine was intercepted last year in the port of Rotterdam - one of the major gateways for drugs. The total catch had more than tripled with 19.000 kilos of coke compared to 2017. The special Hit and Run Cargo team intercepted a whole pile of 'white', 241 kilos of marijuana, 3378 kilos of hashish and 58 kilos of heroin. When you see these numbers, you can imagine that a multiple of these drugs do reach the mainland.

Organized, professional crime

This continuous supply of drugs creates an enormous flow of dirty money in society. The illicit drug trade is so lucrative and growing so fast that arrests, fines and seizures do not have the desired effect. The well-oiled drug machine rumbles on imperturbably. There are also many more negative effects visible in society. The billions of dollars in drug money must be laundered, leading to corruption and rogue businesses. Moreover, the illegal drug trade has a mega attraction to young people who are at a distance from the labor market. Not to mention the drug waste that is mainly found in the forests of Brabant and Limburg. The illegal cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy production and sale is escalating and cannot be enforced by the police and the judiciary.

This while the cabinet continues to throw millions of euros into a seemingly bottomless pit. A sad development that no longer fits in a time when drugs, like alcohol, have almost become commonplace in nightlife. Isn't it high time to take a closer look at this ancient drug policy? Many people do not approve of drug use, but the consequences of the illegal drug trade do?

Time for a drug policy reform

Of course there are many pros and cons that approve or disapprove the legalization or regulation of hard drugs. There is no question that it is a major social problem. This concerns two important issues: public health and crime. Tonight several experts took a critical look at the Dutch drug policy in the talk show M on NPO1. Kathalijne Buitenweg, Member of Parliament of GroenLinks: “We may not approve the use of hard drugs, but we recognize that many young people use them. The way in which we now deal with this does not make sense. That is why we need to think more carefully about other solutions such as regulation and legalization. Alcohol and tobacco, for example, are allowed, which is a totally schizophrenic situation. Much more can also be done on prevention. ” Dr Ton Nabben, criminologist, also sat at the table with Margriet van der Linden. “The Opium Act has existed for 100 years. We have long since lost the war on drugs. That's why we need to look at scenarios to tackle this and reimagine drug policy. A first step towards regulation of XTC, for example, is by making MDMA not a list 1, but a list 2 drug. ” List 2 contains the substances weed and hash.

It is almost impossible that a feeling is growing among politicians that the current, ineffective drug policy is failing on all sides. Perhaps direct legalization is not the way to go, but it is certainly worth considering. Experts therefore insist on scientific advice on the possibility of legalization. Of course followed by a European political debate on the design of a new drug policy. When this will finally happen, it remains to be seen. There is no doubt that something must be done.

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