Five arrests for drugs

The men were nabbed during sting operations in Groningen and Paterswolde on Tuesday, that authorities say aimed to hurt drug dealers in their wallets.

"Police have been collecting information about a group of people who were possibly involved in the organised, large scale drugs trade," a press release explained. It said that the five men that were arrested all seemed to have roles in the organisation' it concerns four men from Groningen and a man from Paterswolde.

They have been charged with narcotics trade, money laundering and involvement in a criminal organisation.

During searched of their houses, authorities confiscated four vehicles, as well as cash money, an amount of soft drugs, financial documentation and computer equipment. Officers also found a gas gun at one of the premises.

"Police and the Public Prosecutor's office work closely together to hit drug dealers where it hurts: in their wallets. This approach should prevent them from profiting from their actions and teach them that crime does not pay," the release said, sternly.

It hinted that violent acts, house invasions, rip deals and executions often stem from the drug trade, which makes a focus on the drug trade a priority.