Checkpoint coffeeshop

Establishment of Checkpoint Coffeeshop:

• In 1996, Terneuzen municipality permitted legal sale of cannabis.
• Checkpoint grew through forced removals to become a large coffeeshop.
• It accommodated 2,900 customers daily, with peaks of 5,000 visitors.
• The facility included its parking, café, restaurant, and employed around 100 staff.
• Checkpoint generated an annual turnover of 26 million euros, with 50% of visitors from France and 40% from Belgium.

Police Raids and Closure:

• On June 1, 2007, a police raid at Checkpoint discovered 4.5 kg of drugs.
• A neighboring warehouse contained an additional 92 pounds of drugs, surpassing the AHOJ-G criteria.
• Another raid on May 20, 2008, led to the seizure of 160 pounds of drugs.
• Subsequently, Checkpoint was shut down due to excessive cannabis supply.
• The closure followed legal actions against employees and demands for significant prison sentences.

Trial and Legal Proceedings:

• On November 3, 2009, a trial involving fifteen employees took place.
• Prosecution demanded prison terms of up to 18 years and a 27 million euro confiscation.
• Checkpoint was prosecuted as a criminal organization, a first for a coffeeshop.
• Defendants were convicted but received lenient sentences.
• Owner Maddie W. was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and faced a 10 million euro confiscation order.

Impact of Checkpoint’s Closure:

• The closure of Checkpoint had repercussions on the local economy and tourism.
• Questions arose about the regulation and oversight of coffeeshops.
• Calls were made for clearer rules and guidelines for the operation of such establishments.
• The trial and closure affected the municipality’s reputation.
• The incident underscored challenges in managing the sale and distribution of cannabis in the Netherlands.

Criticisms and Reflections:

• The case highlighted issues with the municipality, Public Prosecutor, and existing regulations.
• The court criticized the lack of clarity in rules governing coffeeshops.
• The incident prompted reflections on the need for improved management of cannabis sales.
• Checkpoint’s saga raised concerns about the reputation and oversight of similar establishments.
• The trial and closure underscored the complexities of regulating the cannabis industry in the Netherlands.

Checkpoint coffeeshop Data Sources