The police check lasted three days at the West-Friesland holiday park in Opmeer, where several abuses came to light. For example, the police report that a firearm has been found and that people have stayed at the park who can be linked to drug trafficking, labor exploitation, human trafficking and prostitution.
During the inspection, the police – together with the municipality and the labor inspectorate – also looked at the safety and quality of the holiday homes. A number of homes did not meet the fire safety and construction standards. “I received a warning because I don’t have a smoke detector,” a bungalow owner tells NH Nieuws. He states that he will buy it as soon as possible.
The bungalow owner also says that he does not experience any nuisance. “Behind me live two Poles, but they’re a very neat couple.” He explains that the park is divided in two and the side, where the bungalows are, is now very neat. “Five years ago I sometimes had nuisance, but it was mainly loud music, even though there has been a stabbing incident once.”
An outdated chalet at the West-Friesland holiday park in Opmeer
An outdated chalet at the West-Friesland holiday park in Opmeer
An outdated chalet at the West-Friesland holiday park in Opmeer
On the side where the chalets are located, there are indeed a number of less well-maintained chalets. “They are rented out to migrant workers,” shouts a passer-by. “I think there is one person who has twelve of those things. They are also crooked.”
Someone who is doing odd jobs for his chalet reports that the inspection has made a big impression on him. “I think there were fifteen police officers and a number of interpreters,” Rolf recalls. He also reports that the police have encountered some hemp plants. “Yes, they were in my garden. Because it is my own cultivation, which never gets boring,” says Rolf with a laugh. The police destroyed the plants.
Rolf argues that when so many police officers arrive at the barrier, everyone in the park is informed within five minutes – via an app. “If you really want to hide something, that’s still possible,” says Rolf. After the discovery of his cannabis plants in the garden, the police also went to check on him, where everything turned out to be in order.
Rolf indicates that he does not notice or see anything about human trafficking, prostitution or drug deals at the holiday park. “Although I don’t need a dealer myself.” He can see that there are many migrant workers at the park, and a number of them live in a chalet that is poorly maintained.
“Yes, there’s little you can do about it. I’m more annoyed by the fact that the board doesn’t have the right ones coating sprayed on the walls of the pool.”
Agree with the controls
Several holidaymakers indicate that they agree with the controls. “It is not the intention that people are exploited here, that is just pathetic,” says Rolf. He indicates that most owners even applaud the checks. “The park is getting a bit better and safer in this way.”
But why this check? “The countryside and holiday parks are very popular with criminals, where they can go about their business unseen. For example, for growing hemp or making synthetic drugs,” emphasizes Gerard van den Hengel, mayor of the municipality of Opmeer. He also reports that citizens can do something by reporting suspicious situations to Meld Misdaad Anoniem and the police.
The board of the campsite says it is not open to comment.