Dutch police estimate that annual exports of cannabis have a value of over two billion euros. Max Daniel, the Police Commissioner that leads the “national battle against cannabis growing” says that the estimate is conservative. Cultivation is “forbidden” in the Netherlands although adults can buy, possess and use cannabis products legally.

The article at NIS News Bulletin goes on to describe criminal and legal behaviors that are increasingly being seen in the illegal industry – increased violence on the criminal side and willingness to provide mortgages by banks. Agricultural universities and private companies/laboratories are also blamed by Commissioner Daniel for helping growers become more productive and efficient.

Tue 21 Oct 2008