Gun-toting illegal cabbie arrested at Schiphol

An unlicensed taxi driver seen soliciting passengers in Schiphol Plaza at the airport was found in possession of a gun, the Marechaussee said in a statement. The man was held in custody at about 4:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Authorities said the 30-year-old was well-known to authorities. He was questioned at the scene and admitted to offering his services as an unlicensed taxi operator, the statement said.

"When asked if the man had weapons or other illegal items, he said he had a weapon on him. A firearm was found in a neck pouch," the Marechaussee said.

He was arrested after the weapon was found. He was expected to appear in front of a magistrate on Saturday.

In recent years, the Haarlemmermeer municipality has turned to the courts to enforce bans against taxi recruiters at the airport. Late last year, a report from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate said there were hundreds of unlicensed taxi operators in and around Amsterdam, including at Schiphol.

The Koninklijke Marechaussee is a branch of the Dutch armed forces. Their responsibilities include patrolling the borders, and providing security and passport control at the country's airports.