The Netherlands has been fighting the illegal drug environment for a long time. The mayor of Amsterdam is now calling for a change in policy.
Amsterdam – The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, is calling for regulation of the sale and consumption of cocaine in the city. This is intended to prevent criminal drug trafficking, which, according to Halsema, generates “billions in profits” every year.
Amsterdam wants to legalize cocaine: “It’s ridiculous that we’re leaving the drug trade to criminals”
In an interview with the
AFP
news agency , the mayor said: "Isn't it ridiculous that we leave the drug trade to the criminals and don't try to find a way for a civilized market?" In addition to a regulated cocaine market, there is also a market for drugs like ecstasy possible. “You could imagine getting cocaine in pharmacies or through a medical model.”
According to Halsema, there needs to be a different approach to illegal substances such as cocaine because the war on drugs does nothing to counteract the criminal and billionaire underworld. Amsterdam is currently one of the most important transshipment points in Europe. There has been a desperate fight against criminal gangs in the Netherlands for a long time.
“I think some drugs are dangerous. And I also think it's wise to reduce drug use. But I also notice that the way we do it doesn’t help,” says Halsema. In Amsterdam, 80 percent of police activities are currently dedicated to combating drug-related crime.
Controversial drug policy: Legalization plans for Amsterdam are met with criticism
The mayor's position is controversial in the Netherlands and the region. One of their critics includes Bart De Wever, the mayor of the Belgian city of Antwerp, a major gateway for drugs in Europe. The mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, is also critical of the project. Meanwhile, he appealed to consumers, saying that any consumption of cocaine helps criminal gangs.
The mayor of Amsterdam believes that the debates about dealing with drugs are not very productive. According to her, these are too emotional and moralizing. “There is rarely a pragmatic or economic discussion on this issue,” Halsema said. For them, treating consumers like criminals is not a solution. She pointed to the situation in the United States, where the prison system is overwhelmed by the number of drug crimes.
“No alternative”: Mayor of Amsterdam defends new drug policy
Frustrated by the Dutch government's unwillingness to address the issue, Halsema also initiated the debate at the international level earlier this year. In January 2024, she invited fellow mayors and experts to a conference in Amsterdam. There was a discussion about “how and not whether” cities should regulate drugs.
“Anyone who thinks a little bit about ways to really reduce the influence of drug traffickers comes to this conclusion that there really is no alternative,” she said.
In an interview, drug trend researcher Bernd Werse explains why repression as a measure against drug use is usually not effective.
(jus/afp)