Page "Drug policy of the Netherlands" Paragraph 22

Importing and exporting of any classified drug is a serious offence.

The penalty can run up to 12 to 16 years if it is hard drug trade, maximum 4 years for import or export of large quantities of cannabis.

It is prohibited to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug that affects driving ability to such an extent that you are unable to drive properly.

( Section 8 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act section 1 ).

The Dutch police have the right to do a drug test if they suspect influenced driving.

For example, anybody involved in a traffic accident may be tested.

Causing an accident that inflicts bodily harm, while under influence of any drug, is seen as a crime that may be punished by up to 3 years in prison ( 9 years in case of a fatal accident ).

Suspension of driving license is also normal in such a case ( maximum 5 years ).

Schiphol, a large international airport near Amsterdam, has long practiced a zero tolerance policy regarding airline passengers carrying drugs.

In 2006 there were 20, 769 drug crimes registered by public prosecutors and 4, 392 persons received an unconditional prison sentence The rate of imprisonment for drug crimes is about the same as in Sweden, which has a zero tolerance policy for drug crimes.