Groningen launches campaign to keep children aged 10–14 out of drug trade

The municipalities and province of Groningen on Thursday launched a campaign aimed at preventing children between 10 and 14 years old from becoming involved in drug trafficking.

Components include a dedicated website offering discussion tips, social media outreach, and a mobile camper bus traveling through the province.

Klaas Sloots, mayor of Stadskanaal, said children “easily come into contact with illegal trade,” which often starts small and appears harmless. He emphasized that early detection and “preventing worse” is crucial.

The campaign website warns that “children are also approached for a task that seems innocent or simple. Smoking and selling vapes may seem harmless, but can lead to reselling other substances, such as drugs.”