This week an integral traffic control took place in Aalsmeer and Uithoorn. Police, municipalities Aalsmeer and Uithoorn and the business community worked together with various partners to gain insight into compliance with traffic and transport rules as well as to actively inform drivers about the risks of criminal approach.

During this action, 26 vehicles were checked for documents, vehicle condition and cargo, among other things. Several violations were found. For example, Customs seized illegal cigarettes. The Dutch Labor Inspectorate was also present and performed several checks with 1 case under further investigation. The specially trained dogs present were used to recognize possible traces of narcotics. In addition, several data mutations were made. These are findings observed by the police and recorded to strengthen the general information position.

The control action had an explicit dual purpose. In addition to regular vehicle and paperwork checks, the police conducted preventive interviews with drivers. Among other things, criminal networks approach drivers to cooperate in smuggling narcotics and cash. Drivers are sometimes pressured or recruited to do so without realizing the consequences. By personally informing drivers about how criminals operate and the signs they themselves can recognize, all partners involved want to contribute to awareness.

The action on Royal FloraHolland’s premises fits into the broader Weerbare Sierteeltsector approach of having a visible presence precisely at logistics hubs and entering into dialogue with the sector. It is often said that prevention is better than cure, and working on joint, sector-wide prevention will have the greatest effect.

The inspection was carried out in cooperation between the Amsterdam police unit, team TFOC (Transport Facilitated Organized Crime), municipality of Aalsmeer, municipality of Uithoorn, Royal FloraHolland, National Police, Dutch Labor Inspectorate and Customs. These parties are combining their capacity and knowledge to make the sector structurally safer and more resilient.

“With its excellent infrastructure, the Netherlands is a logistics mainport for all of Europe and far beyond. That offers opportunities not only for entrepreneurs and citizens, but also for criminals. And because every criminal eventually needs transport to get his goods from a to b, it is attractive for them to take advantage of that international position of the ornamental horticulture sector and the transports of flowers and plants. So they like to make use of that,” said Léon Terstappen, operational specialist in undermining ornamental horticulture.

Through the Weerbare Sierteeltsector approach, public and private parties are working together on prevention. More and more companies are joining this approach and are actively working to raise awareness within their own organizations, so that employees know what to look out for. At the same time, companies are investing in concrete barriers to prevent criminal interference as much as possible.