The mayor of Amsterdam wants to legalize and regulate the sale, possession and consumption of cocaine.
In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Financieele DagbladAmsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed her firm belief that decriminalization and legalization of the sale of drugs such as cocaine could be a strategic measure to combat organized crime and strengthen public security in Amsterdam.
The War on Drugs: A Lost Battle
Mayor Halsema stressed that the current drug ban has unwittingly empowered criminal organizations, allowing them to thrive and amass billions of euros in profits.
“We have ceded the market to unscrupulous criminals. They make billions. And meanwhile, the war on drugs is disrupting entire countries, claiming countless lives and strengthening the economic model of criminals,” she explains.
This sentiment is consistent with a recent report from Dutch customs, which reveals a surge in organized crime linked to cocaine trafficking in Europe, with more than 60,000 kilograms seized in 2023.
The alarming trend of increasing cocaine seizures in Europe is a cause for concern. Reports indicate that the average price of European cocaine has almost halved and the United Nations has seen a record high in cocaine production. Mayor Halsema acknowledged that despite centuries of discouragement and repression, the demand for stimulants persists, creating a lucrative market for criminals.
The risk reduction perspective
Mayor Halsema's proposal to legalize cocaine may seem surprising, but from a harm reduction perspective, it fits into her broader vision for Amsterdam. Drawing parallels with the city's notorious red light district, she stressed the need for a common-sense approach to drug policy. According to her, just as the Red Light District provides safety for sex workers, legalizing the sale of cocaine could provide similar safety for users and the general public.
The mayor recognizes the integration of drug use into society and the public health risks associated with it. While agreeing on the serious consequences of drug addiction, she says these risks are often exaggerated. In his interview with Financieele Dagblad, Mayor Halsema said: “Drug abuse can have serious consequences. But the risks are often exaggerated. Cocaine, for example, is less harmful than alcohol. People make their own choices. »
A change in tourism strategy
Mayor Halsema's plea for the legalization of cocaine sales is part of his broader efforts to improve Amsterdam's image. She has already expressed her fear of seeing her city become a haven for problematic tourism. This change in strategy aims to balance the city's historic tolerance with responsible policies that prioritize public safety and calm for residents.
His appeal, however, goes further than the Netherlands. She particularly emphasizes the need to reconsider the current approach to the war on drugs on a global scale. Halsema says international treaties limiting national drug policies need to be reassessed.
“Drug prohibition is enshrined in international treaties that limit the scope for national drug policies, meaning we will need to forge new international alliances that prioritize health and safety over 'to punitive measures'.
