Preface

Dutch drugs policy is currently the subject of debate. The clear successes achieved with the policy risk being overshadowed by a number of negative ‘side effects’ that necessitate changes to the instruments of drugs policy, reconsideration of some of the objectives, and a reformulation of responsibilities.

In the present report the committee presents a diagnosis of the situation based on recent studies and makes recommendations for improvements to policy, as requested by the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Affairs. The committee has concluded that such improvements are needed as a matter of urgency, and that some provision is required to ensure that policy and leadership in this area keep pace with the sometimes complex and rapid developments occurring in this highly dynamic and increasingly international field. Closed doors must be opened – what we need now is decisive action.

The committee was established in February 2009. Since then, we have talked to a large number of stakeholders and experts, and paid several working visits in order to form an opinion of current Dutch drugs policy. We also studied the Dutch and international literature, and were able to draw on the studies and evaluations listed in the order establishing the committee. The committee also received a large number of memoranda, as well as more detailed studies specifically requested from relevant parties (local authorities, the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the Tax and Customs Administration). We would like to thank Professor A. Klip of the University of Maastricht and many others (listed in Appendix 2) for their support and advice. A.C. Berghuis and Ms W.M. de Zwart ran the committee’s secretariat. The committee owes them a great debt of gratitude for their expert support and dedication.

Wim van de Donk, chair

Piet Boekhoud

Wim van den Brink

Cyrille Fijnaut

Liesbeth Horstink­ - von Meyenfeldt

Dike van de Mheen

Henk Rigter

Albertine van Vliet­-Kuiper