Dutch Customs is facing a growing threat from organised crime, with consequences for its employees, logistics chains and society. Director General Nanette van Schelven said the agency needs more capacity and resources to tackle the threat.
Van Schelven said Customs plays an important role in combating organised crime but is not part of the security chain. As a result, it cannot access additional funding available to that chain, while facing budget cuts itself.
Dutch Customs operates at the European Union’s external border and plays a key role in countering drug smuggling. In the first half of 2026, it seized more than 19,000 kilograms of cocaine. Large quantities of illegal cigarettes and other tobacco products were also intercepted.
