Judge Backs Almere Mayor’s Three-Month Closure of Home Used for Drug Operation

Overview

• An urgent ruling on Friday allows the mayor to shutter the Almere Haven residence for three months.
• Police raided the home after the male resident was caught transferring hemp plants and found a professional setup with 195 plants, 200 grams of cocaine, and related materials.
• In court, the resident admitted wrongdoing and said he acted for extra money.
• The defense argued the closure comes five months after the grow was dismantled and would unfairly harm the co-resident and the man’s ability to work from home.
• The judge questioned the girlfriend’s claimed ignorance, was unconvinced by the home‑working argument, and noted the administrative appeal is unlikely to succeed as criminal prosecution proceeds separately.