Rotterdam’s approach:

Rotterdam is addressing the link between drug use and criminal violence in its streets through a visual campaign, littered all-over the city. The campaign features striking visuals, including a coffin lined with a cocaine cross and intense messages underscoring the consequences of drug consumption. Sewage research reveals a disconcerting image of drug use in Rotterdam, estimating that 70,000 lines of cocaine and 5,000 ecstasy pills are consumed daily (estimate). The city has dealt with large-scale drug trafficking incidents, resulting in frequent shootings and a surge in explosions. 

Councillor Vincent Karremans emphasizes the imperative for drug users to acknowledge their role in perpetuating criminal activities – pointing most of the blame at the user. Campaigns with extreme emotional appeals and accusatory tones might work for non-users but are not so effective in detering regular drug use. Instead, a balanced approach, as advocated by Katleen Paleman from the Flemish expertise centre for alcohol and other drugs, suggests that providing information with the right tone of voice can be more fruitful. This approach recognizes that behavioural change among regular users necessitates a personalized approach, focusing on motivations for drug use and raising awareness about risks.  

Karremans opposes the normalization of drug use and advocates for heightened awareness on the matter. The campaign’s message is direct: “It’s called ‘party drugs,’ but there’s nothing party about it.” Karremans encourages a national discourse on the severe repercussions of drug use. In unison with this initiative, politicians in The Hague are proposing strict measures, including the arrest and prosecution of young drug users/dealers, in an intensified battle against organized crime.  

This problematic approach does not address the underlying issue and could lead to a significant rise in drug-related incidents. It shifts the blame towards the user rather than addressing its own policies and approach.  Shifting the blame solely onto drug users perpetuates a harmful cycle of stigmatization and fails to address the systemic issues at play. This approach overlooks the complex factors that contribute to drug use, such as socio-economic disparities and lack of access to resources for rehabilitation. It also hinders progress towards a more comprehensive and effective drug policy. 

The current drug policy is inconsistent, often responding reactively and emotionally. The government’s stance on substances varies, involving bans, promotions, and regulations. The Ministry of Justice and Security enforces strict measures, allocating significant budgets and frequently blaming users. 

The policy’s objectives are unclear. It’s uncertain whether the aim is to eliminate drugs from society, protect vulnerable users, or prevent young people from entering the drug trade. The effectiveness of such policies is not currently being assessed. The current drug policy lacks a clear alignment with the objectives of the campaign in Rotterdam. While the campaign aims to raise awareness about the consequences of drug use, the existing policy’s focus on punitive measures for users may undermine these efforts. To truly combat drug-related issues, a cohesive approach is needed, where policies and campaigns work synergistically towards prevention, harm reduction, and rehabilitation. 

Harsh measures may result in increased violence, only benefiting criminal groups that are bound to outsmart law enforcements. These groups may resort to more violence and exploit vulnerable young people. This raise concerns that current policies might exacerbate issues related to drug production and trafficking. 

The original Dutch drug policy is rooted in several key principles: being humane, practical, realistic, and based on scientific evidence. Redirecting funds towards evidence-based measures like prevention, harm reduction, and housing solutions for the homeless is paramount. 

The current emphasis on punitive measures, as seen in Rotterdam’s campaign, may not effectively address the root issues and could exacerbate human suffering. Embracing policies grounded in human rights and public health, including potential drug decriminalization, is crucial to safeguarding the rights of individuals using drugs and cultivating a safer, healthier society. This shift is particularly crucial given the disproportionate impact of current drug policies on marginalized communities. 

Acknowledging the prevalence of dependency is crucial in any discussion on drug policy. The majority of individuals using substances like cocaine, for instance, often struggle with dependency, a complex issue with deep-rooted socio-economic and psychological factors. The accusatory rhetoric surrounding drug use predominantly affects already marginalized communities, exacerbating their challenges and hindering their access to necessary support and rehabilitation services. Addressing dependency with compassion and evidence-based solutions is vital in developing a more effective and equitable drug policy. 

Establishing a state drugs committee for policy evaluation and adjustment is of great importance. This committee should ensure coherence between ministries’ policies, with a clear aim: fostering a safe and healthy society. Promoting harm reduction as a humane and scientifically grounded approach, should be at the forefront of Dutch drug policy rather than inept policies that continue to stigmatize and cut lines across already vulnerable communities.  

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