In September, government agencies conducted a three-day inspection campaign at logistics hubs in the Netherlands and Belgium. The goal of the operation was to combat criminal activity in the floriculture sector and prevent shipments of flowers and plants from being misused for the smuggling of narcotics.

A total of 113 trucks were inspected on the road toward Aalsmeer and the Westland region. Additionally, 15 inspections were conducted as shipments were brought into Schiphol, Maastricht Aachen Airport, and Liège Airport. During the operation, sniffer dogs were deployed and unusual driving routes were identified.

Each audit yields valuable data and insights. These help government agencies better identify risks and take more targeted action. An in-depth analysis will follow later this year. Based on the recent audits, the Dutch Labor Inspectorate will also conduct further investigations.

These results were achieved through collaboration. Intelligence was gathered jointly with Belgian Customs. German Customs stood by, and there was international cooperation with, among others, South America and Africa. We would like to thank Dutch Customs, the Dutch Police, the Amsterdam Police Unit, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the Dutch Labor Inspectorate, and Belgian Customs.