Regulated drug market: Amsterdam relies on a new strategy (97 characters)

Regulated drug market: Amsterdam relies on a new strategy (97 characters)

Amsterdam's Mayor Femke Halsema speaks for the introduction of a regulated market for drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy. She emphasizes that this is the only way to fight the drug smuggling and its harmful effects on the Dutch capital. Halsema criticizes the previous “war against drugs” as unsuccessful and emphasizes that the police in Amsterdam are 80 percent busy combating drug crime.

The 57-year-old mayor emphasizes that certain drugs are dangerous and that drug use should be reduced, but the previous measures are not expedient. It suggests thinking about alternative ways to regulate drugs and is considering both a regulated cocaine market and the legalization of ecstasy.

The controversial attitude of Halsema also comes across criticism, especially from mayors of other cities such as Bart de Wever from Antwerp. This sees the plans for the introduction of a regulated drug market skeptical and warns of possible risks.

At the end of January, Halsema invited city representatives and experts to a conference to discuss the regulation of drugs in cities. She underlines that it is not about whether drugs should be regulated, but how best can be implemented. According to your conviction, there is no way around a regulated drug market to effectively reduce the influence of drug dealers.