Drug crimes jump 9% in first half of 2026

The police recorded over 9 percent more drug-related offenses in the first six months of 2026 than in the same period last year. In the first half of this year, there were nearly 7,900 registered drug crimes, compared to over 7,200 in the first half of 2025.

Drug crimes are registered cases of possession, trafficking, or production of prohibited substances. In the past six months, the police recorded the most drug crimes in Zuid-Holland, around 1,750. Noord-Brabant followed with nearly 1,550 crimes.

In Flevoland, the number of registrations increased by more than half. This was the strongest increase nationwide. Noord-Brabant and Friesland also saw big increases.

Limburg saw the biggest decrease in drug-related offenses in the first half of this year. There, the number fell by nearly 12 percent to 861 registered crimes. Despite the decrease, the highest number of drug crimes per 100,000 residents was still registered in Limburg: nearly 76.

Among the 20 largest municipalities, Almere saw the biggest increase. The number of drug crimes more than doubled year-on-year. The number of drug crimes dropped most sharply in Zoetermeer, with a decrease of nearly 44 percent.

ANP asked the police to comment on the increase in drug crimes, but they have not yet responded.