Hemp Approach Parkstad

What is Hemp Approach Parkstad?

Hemp Approach Parkstad is a project that started on July 1, 2019, where over a period of 3 years, all commercial premises (sheds, barns, stables, stores) in Parkstad will be checked for the presence of hemp plantations or drug labs. Hemp and synthetic drugs are produced in many places. Large-scale production sites are also discovered in urban areas on industrial sites and even in the middle of residential areas. Criminals do not shy away from threats and violence. We do not accept the undermining of our society by these criminals.

What is the legal basis of these controls?

We check whether the premises are in use according to the zoning plan. When applying this administrative instrument, there does not have to be a concrete suspicion of criminal activity to check a premises. This is in contrast to a check conducted by the police. A search warrant is therefore not necessary. Property owners and users are obliged to cooperate with the inspections. If owners continue to resist inspections, we and the police will gain access to the premises.

How is the project set up?

The checks are carried out by a team of municipal supervisors assigned exclusively to the project. The project is carried out in close cooperation with the police and the Public Prosecutor's Office. This allows not only administrative action to be taken by the municipality if a hemp plantation or drug lab is found, but also criminal action. If other things are found that do not comply with the zoning plan, this is reported. 

Where are the audits conducted?

The project started in Heerlen and Kerkrade in 2019. From September 1, 2020, the municipalities of Beekdaelen, Brunssum, Landgraaf, Simpelveld and Voerendaal will also be connected. The starting point is that all business premises in Parkstad where a large hemp plantation or drug lab can reasonably be set up will be checked. It does not matter whether the premises are located on an industrial estate, in a shopping area or residential neighborhood.

How does the project fit within the policies of Kerkrade municipality?

The municipality of Kerkrade has a strict policy against drugs. The presence of narcotics has a major impact on residents, business owners and visitors. Public order and safety are at stake. Therefore, the municipality has clear rules regarding the presence of drugs in homes and premises. When a trade quantity of drugs is found in, for example, a home, shed, business or garage box, it can be closed. You can read more about the municipality of Kerkrade's approach to drugs here: https://decentrale.regelgeving.overheid.nl/cvdr/XHTMLoutput/Actueel/Kerkrade/CVDR607769.html

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