Last year saw the highest number of drug crimes in 10 years

The number of registered drug-related crimes rose to its highest level in the last 10 years in 2024. Police reported over 14,000 drug-related crimes, which is 850 more than the previous year. There was an increase in more than half of the municipalities throughout the country, an analysis from ANP based on police statistics showed.

Examples of drug-related crimes include arrests of drug traffickers, manufacturers, and people with illegal drugs on their person. The police said that the number of drug-related crimes is actually much higher than the numbers show. “We suspect that this is the tip of the iceberg.” The cause of the increase is unclear.

Most drug-related crimes took place in Amsterdam (1,526). This was followed by Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven. The highest increase compared to last year can be seen in The Hague, with an increase of over 170 crimes. Other cities that saw a significant increase were Utrecht, Tilburg, and Vlissingen.

Crime expert Yarin Eski of the Free University in Amsterdam is concerned about the number of young people who are being used in the illegal drug trade. “A large group of young people are being threatened by organized crime organizations and put under pressure.”

She added that she sees the young people as child soldiers. “We should see them as victims. The figures mainly show that the police and politicians are enforcing the law more strictly. While the much more complex world behind the figures remains underexposed."