The Journal. A Cocaine Kingpin and the Rise of Drug Violence in Europe
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Sep 18, 2024 
Sune Rasmussen, a WSJ reporter, dives into the dark world of organized crime and the rise of drug kingpin Ridouan Taghi. He discusses the shocking assassination of journalist Peter de Vries, revealing links to Taghi’s criminal empire. The conversation highlights the alarming surge in gang violence across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, once known for its lenient drug policies. They explore Taghi's brutal rise to power, his high-stakes trial, and the challenges law enforcement faces as drug-related violence becomes a pressing issue.
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Peter R. de Vries Murder
- In 2021, Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries was murdered.
- This event highlighted the growing issue of gang violence in Europe.
Unintended Consequences of Drug Laws
- The Netherlands' relaxed drug laws unintentionally fostered a large drug industry.
- Coffee shops, legally selling cannabis, had to source it illegally from gangs.
European Cocaine Market Shift
- Increased cocaine flooded European markets as South American gangs shifted focus.
- Rotterdam's large port became a key entry point due to its high volume of unchecked containers.