Dutch customs signed an agreement with Belgian customs last week to collaborate more in searching for drugs in the ports. "Joining forces past national borders is needed to deal blows to drug networks," says Gera van Weenum, spokesperson for the Dutch customs. "They also operate internationally and have no borders."
After signing, customs visited the location.
Avoiding the waterbed effect
When battling the smuggling of drugs, there is often mention of the waterbed affect. If the Dutch customs invest more in intercepting smugglers in Rotterdam, the smugglers with move their route to a different European port. "There are no member states to them. They want their illegal goods to reach Europe, whatever way. Acting strongly, alertly and adequately together is important for preventing a waterbed effect," continues Gera. "Due to this agreement we can further intensify and effectuate the current collaboration between the Dutch and the Belgian customs in the area of drugs smuggling. The ports are relatively close to each other and to prevent a waterbed effect an integral international approach is necessary."
When battling the smuggling of drugs, there is often mention of the waterbed affect. If the Dutch customs invest more in intercepting smugglers in Rotterdam, the smugglers with move their route to a different European port. "There are no member states to them. They want their illegal goods to reach Europe, whatever way. Acting strongly, alertly and adequately together is important for preventing a waterbed effect," continues Gera. "Due to this agreement we can further intensify and effectuate the current collaboration between the Dutch and the Belgian customs in the area of drugs smuggling. The ports are relatively close to each other and to prevent a waterbed effect an integral international approach is necessary."
In the signed agreement, the other ports in the Netherlands and Belgium were also taken into account. "The goal of the collaboration is to raise the effectiveness and quality of the approach to stopping the illegal import, export and overhaul of narcotics in the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Terneuzen, Gent, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Vlissingen, as well as the waters between these ports. We also exchange information bilateraly to other customs services in Europe. Due to strengthened collaboration we hope to reduce the waterbed effect."
Port integrity
The agreement foresees collaboration on both policy and operational levels. "Efficient and effect exchange of information is a crucial component in this. Of course this aspect isn't new for us; even now signals are passed back and forth. The agreement will strengthen the collaboration in preventing the smuggling of narcotics and with it, help improve the integrity of the ports."
Port integrity
The agreement foresees collaboration on both policy and operational levels. "Efficient and effect exchange of information is a crucial component in this. Of course this aspect isn't new for us; even now signals are passed back and forth. The agreement will strengthen the collaboration in preventing the smuggling of narcotics and with it, help improve the integrity of the ports."
In the area of scanning techniques for the containers, new ones are being added. The Belgian customs is experimenting in the port of Antwerp with a mobile scanner which fits in the back of a truck. Dutch customs is following the developments closely. "We follow all developments in scanning techniques, and where possible and needed they are used. With regards to this subject there is a close collaboration and knowledge exchange with other member states as well."
More information: www.douane.nl
More information: www.douane.nl