Drug Trafficking: Europe's Poison

For centuries, the Netherlands built its wealth by controlling global trade routes. Rooted in colonialism and maritime commerce, this history also created the conditions for a highly profitable illegal drug trade. Over time, the country became Europe’s main entry point for cocaine. As a result, powerful and increasingly violent criminal groups emerged, exploiting the vast port of Rotterdam to move drugs across the continent. To protect their interests, these networks rely on extreme violence, posing a serious threat to the rule of law and to democratic institutions across Europe.