Health consultant opens ‘ecstasy shop’ in West: “I tried something myself”

No real drugs are sold in the store, but Scholtes admitted, when he stood at the counter in a so-called pharmacy room, that he had used ecstasy before. “That was a long time ago. But I have tried something,” he told AT5. Today he would do that because of his ‘sports obsession’, Scholtes does kickboxing, and he no longer works.

“So there’s nothing for me right now,” said the counselor. “But the truth is that a lot of people are using it. And the truth is that the whole war on drugs, prohibition, repression, isn’t working either.” It is a message similar to what Mayor Halsema spread two years ago.

Pádraig Holla, the new high commissioner of the Amsterdam police since the beginning of this month, says that does not mean that the police no longer have to go after drug criminals. “And it’s not true that the drug war has failed. We’re still taking down big gangs that are busy making a lot of money from drugs. But on the other hand, it’s also true that we won’t solve a problem drugs with insults only.”

According to the initiators, a coin in a vending machine in a disco could also be an option. You will be asked in advance to provide proof of age and a breathalyzer test to rule out the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

The leader of the CDA faction, Rogier Havelaar, is not in favor of the shop, although he thinks it is well done. “But this is exactly my point. Let’s call it party drugs. And then right before the ADE festival we’ll have a discussion here on how best we can manage it. And I’m just standing for a completely inter- different. I think we need to have a conversation about party drugs not being a party.”

Everyone can visit the ecstasy shop until November 24. Visitors are also asked for their comments.