Police raid 27 pot grow shops across the country

The police raided 27 grow shops across the Netherlands on Tuesday in a national action day to tackle businesses that facilitate cannabis cultivation. A total of 11 people were arrested. The police confiscated goods used for illicit cannabis cultivation at 15 of the 27 locations. Among the confiscated goods were growing lights, fans, carbon filters, hemp seeds, hard drugs, a firearm and a large amount of cash. Due to an amendment of the Opium Act which took effect on March 1st, it is now a punishable offence to prepare or promote illegal cannabis cultivation. This means that it is now illegal to deliberately deliver ventilation systems, carbon filters, growing lamps and electric installations, among other things, for illicit cannabis cultivation. Those who violate this law can face up to 3 years in prison. All links in illegal cannabis cultivation are addressed by this amendment. It includes individuals and companies that do not grow cannabis themselves, but earn their money by offering goods and services that facilitate cannabis cultivation. The police, Public Prosecutor, Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) and Tax Administration are cooperating closely with municipalities, provinces and the national government to tackle illegal cannabis cultivation on all fronts, according to the police.