Tackling drug related organised crime requires determining course

Commissioned by the Research and Documentation Centre (WODC), Hans Nelen (UM), Karin van Wingerde (EUR), Lieselot Bisschop (EUR) and Roland Moerland (UM) closely followed the developments of the reinforcement movement about drug related organised crime from May 2019 to November 2022. Their action-oriented and process-evaluation research shows that a lot has been set in motion in a relatively short amount of time to create barriers against drug related organised crime and to develop and implement smarter interventions. At the same time, the researchers note that there are major challenges in setting up sustainable forms of cooperation. The first findings on this were shared in the intermediate report of 2021.  Moreover, the literature review demonstrated that other evaluation studies that have appeared on the topic of drug related organised crime in recent decades also point to the same challenges.  The researchers therefore recommend recalibrating the fixed principles and working methods that have been shaping the approach to organised crime for decades.

Broadening the view of the problem
First, the researchers argue for a broader view of the problem of drug related organised crime. It should not only concern drug crime, but also other relevant forms of crime and societal challenges that relate to organised crime. Think of human trafficking, labour exploitation, environmental crime or cybercrime, but also white-collar crime. In addition, more attention should be paid to the cross-border aspects of organised crime and to stepping up cooperation with neighbouring countries. The (fashion) term of ‘subversive’ crime (‘undermining’, ‘ondermijning’ in Dutch) should also be replaced by the term organized crime. According to the researchers, this provides better guidance, certainly in the international debate.

Reflection on structure and cooperation
Secondly, the researchers recommend recalibrating the foundations of the approach. For example, the objectives of a project should determine which parties collaborate with each other. Not everything and nor everyone to be connected and consulted, as often happens now. The researchers also call for a reflection on the structure of investigations and of how the Police, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and four special investigation services relate to each other. They are increasingly working in each other's fields, while the model assumes organisations operate side by side. The Public Prosecution Service should also claim a more visible role in the approach. In addition to directing the investigative process, the Public Prosecution Service can also stimulate public debate about a balance between security and the protection of the rights of individual citizens. Finally, the researchers argue in favour of making working for the government more attractive. In this way, expertise needed for the further development of the approach to organised crime, such as data analysis, intelligence, finance and leadership, can be sustainably linked to the projects.