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The Power of the Cocaine Mafia in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, often celebrated for its liberal policies and thriving trade networks, has also become one of Europe’s epicentres of the cocaine trade. With its powerful ports, extensive logistical infrastructure, and global connections, the country has turned into a key hub for international drug cartels. Today, the influence of the cocaine mafia stretches far beyond the underworld, impacting politics, business, and society.
Rotterdam: Europe’s Cocaine Gateway
Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, plays a central role in the flow of cocaine. Hidden in banana crates, timber shipments, and legitimate goods, tonnes of the drug arrive from Latin America every year. Authorities seize record amounts—over 60 tonnes in some years—but experts say this represents only a fraction of what enters. Smugglers rely on corruption among dock workers, truck drivers, and even customs officers to ensure safe passage for their cargo.
Criminal Networks and Violence
The cocaine trade has given rise to powerful organised crime groups, many with ties to Latin American cartels. These networks operate with a mix of business acumen and brutal violence. Contract killings, kidnappings, and intimidation campaigns have become more frequent in Dutch cities. High-profile murders—such as that of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries in 2021—highlight the reach of the underworld and the dangers faced by those who challenge it.
“Mocro Mafia”: A New Generation of Gangsters
The so-called “Mocro Mafia,” a term used to describe mainly Moroccan-Dutch crime networks, has risen to prominence in the cocaine trade. These groups dominate the logistics of smuggling and distribution, earning billions annually. Their influence extends into Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, creating a cross-border criminal corridor that European police struggle to contain.
Corruption and Parallel Power
With vast profits at stake, the cocaine mafia has invested heavily in corrupting officials. From port employees to lawyers and accountants, many legitimate sectors have been infiltrated. Authorities warn that the criminal underworld is threatening to evolve into a “parallel power structure,” one that rivals state institutions in wealth and influence.
The Struggle Against the Mafia
The Dutch government has stepped up its fight, increasing security at ports, investing in international cooperation, and targeting money laundering operations. However, the sheer profitability of cocaine—where a kilogram can fetch over €30,000 on European streets—means traffickers are always a step ahead. Critics argue that the Netherlands’ tolerance of soft drugs has created fertile ground for harder drug networks to thrive, while others stress the need for greater European coordination.
Conclusion
The cocaine mafia’s grip on the Netherlands demonstrates the immense power of global drug cartels. What begins in the jungles of Colombia and Peru ends in the streets of Amsterdam, backed by billions of euros and a culture of violence. Unless stronger international measures are taken, the Netherlands risks becoming not only Europe’s gateway for cocaine but also a stronghold for the world’s most dangerous criminal networks.
Attached is a news article regarding the power of the drugs mafia - cocaine and Netherlands
https://amp.dw.com/en/the-power-of-the-drugs-mafia-cocaine-and-the-netherlands/a-61409634
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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