Ministers say drug legalization will not deter crime.maybe a new cooperation

Dylan Yesirgoz announces European anti-crime movement Photo: S Boztas

Dutch Justice Minister Dylan Jesirgoz has rejected the idea of ​​legalizing cocaine at a meeting of six European countries that formed a coalition to fight organized crime.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema at an event in Amsterdam told visiting ministers .

“By criminalizing supply and demand, we are only helping the criminal market,” Halsema said. coffee shop I’m sure Ban on tourists Helpful.

“It has been shown that regulating smoking and alcohol can control the market for dangerous products while reducing damage to health. I am confident in my heart that we will achieve the best possible outcome for our society.”

Sudden

“The idea of ​​legalizing drugs has been an interesting point of discussion,” Yesirgoz said after the meeting.

“This is a philosophical debate, it can be a theoretical debate, it can be a political debate. is not in.”

“People listened … but we saw practical things. The problems we have are so big and so urgent that we want to focus on what we can do rather than what we can’t do much about.”

follow the money

At the conference, the six countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation in fighting international drug crime and to create a platform to share information from logistical hubs that act as gateways to Europe. Establish a task force with Latin American countries and other transit points. We are stepping up our screening of financial structures that are abused by criminals and putting more effort into proactive prevention.

Yeşilgöz said he is confident that privacy law and crime prevention are not mutually exclusive and that a good strategy can encompass both.

“Crime never sleeps, so neither do we, but we have to work together to be successful,” she said.

Another ministerial meeting is scheduled for spring 2023 in Antwerp.