That criminals like to use existing logistics networks, to have weapons and drugs transported as well, for example, has long been known. Because of the many (inter)national transport movements associated with the floriculture sector, the industry is very interesting to criminals. To combat criminal interference, Transport Facilitated Organized Crime (TFOC) checks were held at all three Royal FloraHolland auction sites, in Aalsmeer, Rijnsburg and Naaldwijk, on November 28 and 29.

Under the banner Resilient Ornamental Horticulture Sector, government agencies and companies have been working together for several years to protect the beauty of the ornamental horticulture sector and address the vulnerable. The focus is therefore on prevention by helping business owners become resilient, equipping them with knowledge to recognize signs of crime, report wrongdoing and do inspections.

Business owners benefit from a safe working environment, and interviews show that they see the value of the inspections for this reason. Because the motto “time is money” applies to them as well, inspections are generally carried out in such a way that a truck -and thus the trade- does not have to stand still for an unnecessarily long time. By actively monitoring in an efficient manner, the cooperation partners contribute to a safe working environment and a fair competitive position for entrepreneurs who do everything by the book.

Last week’s checks were integral. The Hague Police, Amsterdam Police and the National Unit, together with the Tax Authority, Customs and the Dutch Labor Inspectorate, conducted two days of checks. They did this in cooperation with the supervisors of the municipalities of Westland, Katwijk, Aalsmeer and Uithoorn, Royal FloraHolland, RIEC The Hague and RIEC Amsterdam-Amstelland.

Click here for more information on the results of the audits.