Netherlands Combats Narcoterrorism, Rescues Teens

Amid rising cocaine imports and crime, Netherlands aims to steer youth from criminal paths.

Reports of youth exploited by drug gangs prompt Dutch authorities to investigate methods to reclaim them before they embrace crime. Prior to recent elections, concerns were raised about the Netherlands confronting “narcoterrorism,” fueled by surging cocaine imports from South America.

While the number of minors suspected of crimes has decreased since 2015 in the Netherlands, there’s a rise in violent offenses committed by younger individuals, particularly in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

In response, former “street kid” turned gym owner Danny de Vries is among those engaged in Dutch efforts to rescue thousands of teens from a life of crime attributed to record drug levels in northwest Europe.

The Netherlands allocates €82m annually to aid 27 neighborhoods in preventing youth involvement in drug-related crime. By 2025, the government plans to invest €143m yearly in youth crime prevention.

A key aspect of this strategy involves employing “credible messengers”: individuals who understand these youths’ situations and don’t resemble law enforcement. They collaborate with young people.

De Vries mentors 15 boys and men in Utrecht, identified as potential crime inclinees. They undergo martial arts training for five hours weekly at his gym. WhatsApp groups, involving parents and police, monitor their activities.

“On the street, these kids hold a certain status,” explains De Vries. “Here, they’re nobody. I remind them: you think you’re tough, but there are girls here who can outmatch you. It might seem basic, but it’s effective. They reset and progress. It works.”

Seated in Amsterdam-Noord’s Adamas music studio, amidst a young man crafting a rap, is 32-year-old Menny. Raised in crime-ridden south-east Amsterdam, he grappled with schooling and now stands as one of the credible messengers.

“I had many interventions growing up, but none felt truly impactful,” reflects Menny. “People did their best with what they knew. But this isn’t just a job; it’s my life. These kids aren’t clients—they’re my brothers, my neighbors. When you embrace them, they let you in, and that’s when real change happens.”

André Platteel, the founder of Adamas, believes in the power of modest interventions to counter the damaging effects of childhood trauma. “The strength of credible messengers lies in their 24/7 availability. Many of these youths lack a consistent parental figure, and these messengers often step in as surrogate family members.”

“We can’t ignore this reality. Those who work with these young individuals witness their justified anger,” expresses Thimo van der Pol, head of research at Inforsa, a mental health organization aiding adults with psychiatric needs. “It’s stigma. How do we empower them to feel they belong in the world rather than fight against it?”

Criminologists are still researching the effectiveness of these interventions, including the use of credible messengers, seeking scientific validation.

Recent research on Amsterdam’s “Top 600” intervention program for troubled youth indicates no tangible impact so far, although crime reporter Paul Vugts emphasizes that this isn’t cause for abandonment.

“Some youngsters aspire to significant roles, like in the drug economy. They aren’t just recruited; they’re also self-motivated,” notes Robby Roks, associate professor of criminology at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Dijksma acknowledges this reality. “We’re not naive,” she affirms. “We won’t save everyone. But each young person we rescue is another success.”