rssFeb 20, 2026, 19:00

Mayor Halsema: homeless foreign crack addicts may be repatriated more often

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has proposed scaling up the voluntary repatriation of homeless foreign drug users, particularly Eastern European migrants, to address the city's growing crack cocaine problem. She noted that the increase in crack use is causing significant public nuisance and is harder to manage than heroin due to a lack of pharmaceutical substitutes. While some repatriation already occurs, the mayor emphasized that the process must remain voluntary for individuals to help reduce the strain on local public health resources.

Politics Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

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Former GroenLinks councilor Jorrit Nuijens (46) has died

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Years of illegal use of Schiphol: environmental groups and local residents take legal action over cabinet plans

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Amsterdam municipality investigates ban on single-use packaging

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