International effort to combat drug trafficking and other forms of crime

The Netherlands collaborates with other countries to combat international drug trafficking and organised crime. The Dutch authorities work closely with their counterparts in other countries. For example, they exchange police information and provide international legal assistance. 

Working with other countries within different international organisations

The Dutch authorities work with other countries within different international organisations. These include Euregional institutions like EURIEC, EPICC and BES, regional institutions like the Benelux Union and the Hazeldonk cooperation, EU institutions like Europol and EMPACT, and international institutions like MAOC-N and Interpol. 

Other forms of cooperation

Other forms of cooperation include:

  • Rapid information sharing when a new synthetic drug is identified on the market. This includes exchanging information about the health risks involved and the treatment of users. An Early Warning System (EWS) is in place for this purpose.
  • Comparing the data on drugs that exist in the various countries of the EU. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) collects, analyses and supplies information about drugs and drug use in the European Union. The UNODC does the same at a global scale.