The Netherlands closes a deal with Colombia: a major blow to the drug mafia

September 28 2023inland _

THE HAGUE - The Netherlands and Colombia will collaborate much more intensively to track down and extradite drug criminals. A treaty is in the making to achieve this, outgoing Minister Yesilgoz-Zegerius (Justice and Security) reports to De Telegraaf. “This is not only a very big step, but also a necessary one.”

With the deal, the governments of both countries hope to deal a major blow to the international drug mafia. After more than a year of negotiations, an extradition treaty is concluded between the Netherlands and Colombia. A legal assistance treaty is also in the making to conduct joint investigations and hear witnesses.

Many cocaine transports leave from Colombia to the Netherlands. For a long time, narcocriminals believed themselves safe from prosecution. This must change with the new treaties. “Both countries will therefore be able to respond more quickly to each other's requests,” says Yesilgöz. “For example, when it comes to criminal prosecution and hearing witnesses and victims. This can destroy revenue models.”

The minister acknowledges that the Netherlands is still a key player in the international drug trade. That is why she also wants to make agreements with other Latin American countries - such as Peru and Ecuador. In addition, together with fellow ministers, she is increasing security at Western European ports and other vulnerable import points.