Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Stephen Snelders, "Drug Smuggler Nation: Narcotics and the Netherlands, 1920-95" (Manchester UP, 2021)
Stephen Snelders, "Drug Smuggler Nation: Narcotics and the Netherlands, 1920-95" (Manchester UP, 2021)
Stephen Snelders, "Drug Smuggler Nation: Narcotics and the Netherlands, 1920-95" (Manchester UP, 2021)
Wednesday 31st March 2021
Stephen Snelders explores how the Netherlands became a drug smuggling hub from 1920-95 in this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery'.
65 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
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Marshall Poe
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Get the buttons here!The Netherlands' Hidden Drug Trade: A Journey Through History with Stephen Snelders
You need a certain amount of corruption to be able to have an illegal market going, and this has always been the case.
Ever wondered how the Netherlands became a hub for illegal drug trade? In this eye-opening episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', host Marshall Poe sits down with scholar Stephen Snelders to discuss his book 'Drug Smuggler Nation: Narcotics and the Netherlands, 1920-95'. Snelders takes us through the intricate web of smugglers and criminal entrepreneurs who transformed the Netherlands into what some call the 'Colombia of Europe'.
The conversation dives deep into why international drug regulations failed to curb the booming trade and consumption of illegal substances. You'll hear about how state interventions inadvertently led to the rise of small, anarchic groups adept at dodging the law. These networks, built on personal relationships and cultural ties rather than formal hierarchies, created a thriving underground industry. Snelders also explores the cultural and historical factors that made the Netherlands fertile ground for such activities.
From heroin and cocaine to cannabis and synthetic drugs, these networks were deeply embedded in Dutch society. One striking point is the link between illegal drug markets and corruption; according to Snelders, a certain level of corruption is essential for these markets to flourish. This episode is packed with fascinating anecdotes and insights into the romanticized image of criminal entrepreneurs and the evolution of drug laws in the Netherlands.
Whether you're a history buff, a policy wonk, or just curious about the darker side of Dutch history, this episode offers a compelling look into the complexities of drug smuggling and market proliferation. Don't miss out on this riveting discussion that peels back the layers of one of Europe's most intriguing drug trade histories.