What Factors Made The Netherlands The European Drug Capital?

The Netherlands became the European hub for drug traffic because of the country's central position, and the city of Amsterdam happens to be ideally situated. Only a few kilometers from Amsterdam lies the busy international airport Schiphol. In just a few hours, Belgium, Germany or France may be reached by land transportation. Rotterdam, Europe's biggest seaport, is only 75 kilometers (47 miles) away. Because of the country's extensive coastline, fishing boats and pleasure yachts can easily drop off an illegal cargo at an isolated spot. Also, The Netherlands' liberal legal system and very tolerant policy toward foreigners seem to attract criminal elements.

Until November 1976, anyone caught with a large amount of opium or heroin was sent to prison for a maximum period of four years. Compared with many prisons in the East and in North Africa, those in The Netherlands are almost ideal. Inmates are never beaten, have ample food, do not have to work, may watch television and may receive reading matter and visits from relatives. Hence, those sentenced to short prison terms for smuggling narcotics do not fare badly. The government has instituted severer punishment meanwhile, but so far the desired effect has not been realized. Ever-increasing quantities of drugs are being seized by the police and customs officials.