Michel Vols, Michelle Bruijn and Els Schipaanboord awarded WODC grant for Opium Act research

Prof. Michel Vols, Dr Michelle Bruijn and Els Schipaanboord (LL.M.) have received funding from the WODC (Scientific Research and Data Center). With this they will investigate how often mayors use their Opium Act powers in the fight against drug crime.

Closure of premises

Mayors can take action against drug trafficking under the Opium Act. They can decide to close a home or local premises or impose an order under penalty.

For the WODC, Vols, Bruijn and Schipaanboord will investigate how often mayors closed premises in the years 2021-2023, what the reasons for the closures were, and how often those involved objected and went to court. Bruijn and Vols previously conducted similar research on the years 2018-2020.

For a second, subsequent study, Vols, Bruijn and Schipaanboord will collaborate with colleagues from research firm Pro Facto. They are joining forces to analyze the effects of a closure on residents, the neighborhood, business owners and landlords. This research is also being commissioned by the WODC.

Outcomes and duration of the study

The two studies have begun in November 2024. They will be completed during 2025. The results of the inquiry will be discussed by the government and parliament, but hopefully mayors and judges can also learn from them.

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This article was published by the Faculty of Law.