In Rijswijk, drug offences fall under the Opium Act. The penalty varies greatly, from small possession for personal use to large-scale trafficking and production, depending on the type of drug and the quantity.
The Opium Act in the Netherlands
The Opium Act makes a clear distinction between hard drugs (List I) and soft drugs (List II), with different penalties per category.
Hard Drugs (List I)
- Heroin, cocaine
- Amphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy)
- LSD, GHB
- Methadone
Soft Drugs (List II)
- Cannabis (marijuana, hashish)
- Dried magic mushrooms
- Sleeping and sedative medicines
Punishable Acts
Under the Opium Act, various drug-related activities are punishable.
Overview of Penalties
| Activity | Max. List I | Max. List II |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 4 years | 2 years |
| Sale/trafficking | 8 years | 4 years |
| Import/export | 12 years | 4 years |
| Production | 8 years | 4 years |
Tolerance Policy for Cannabis in Rijswijk
In the Netherlands, and thus also in Rijswijk, a limited tolerance policy applies to cannabis, with strict rules.
Rules for Coffeeshops
- No advertising or display
- No sale of hard drugs
- No causing nuisance
- No sale to persons under 18 years
- Maximum 5 grams per transaction
- Trading stock maximum 500 grams
Drug Laboratories and Penalty Enhancement
The production of synthetic drugs such as ecstasy or amphetamine is heavily punished in Rijswijk and elsewhere.
Aggravating Circumstances
- Professional production: penalty increase by 1/3
- Large quantities: heavier penalties
- Participation in criminal organisations: additionally punishable
Preparation of Drug Offences
According to Article 10a of the Opium Act, the preparation of drug-related offences is also punishable.
Examples of Preparation
- Possession of precursors such as PMK or BMK
- Storage of production equipment
- Rental of locations for drug production
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Offences
What is the difference between hard drugs and soft drugs?
In the Netherlands, the Opium Act distinguishes hard drugs (List I, such as cocaine and heroin) from soft drugs (List II, such as cannabis). Hard drugs are completely prohibited and penalties are stricter, while soft drugs are tolerated to some extent under conditions.
How much cannabis may I possess without penalty?
Maximum 5 grams of cannabis for personal use is often tolerated, but is not legal. Over 30 grams is considered trafficking and prosecution follows.
What are the consequences of hard drug possession?
This depends on the quantity and type of drug. Possession for personal use can lead to 4 years' imprisonment, but often a fine follows. Trafficking or production can result in up to 12 years' imprisonment.
May I grow weed at home?
No, growing cannabis is punishable, even for personal use. The police can seize plants and impose penalties.
What happens in case of involvement in a drug lab?
Involvement in the production of synthetic drugs is a serious offence. Penalties can amount to many years in prison, especially in large-scale operations.