Rotterdam customs officers help drug traffickers: report

By Janene Pieters on June 4, 2018 - 11:40
Over 150 kilos of marijuana found at port of Rotterdam; hidden in wall tile shipment destined for England, 5 Jul 2017
Over 150 kilos of marijuana found at port of Rotterdam; hidden in wall tile shipment destined for England, 5 Jul 2017. Photo: Public Prosecutor / OM

Customs officers and container company employees at the port of Rotterdam are paid by criminals to help them traffic drugs into the Netherlands, NOS and RTV Rijnmond report based on conversations the police tapped and the broadcasters were allowed to hear. 

The port workers sometimes receive millions of euros to cooperate with the criminals, according to the broadcasters. At least three customs officers were bribed in this way. 

The police eavesdropped on several criminals at hotels and restaurants where they regularly meet. Several people were already arrested this year for helping criminals with drug trafficking. In January three people were arrested for opening the port terrain for criminals. And in April eight people were arrested for drug trafficking via the port. One of these detainees worked at the Tax Authority. 

Tags: