Amsterdam is facing increasing challenges with drug-related nuisance, as authorities try to balance public safety with care for vulnerable groups. A key example of this is the support bus for substance users placed near ’s‑Gravesandeplein since April, which has become a topic of growing debate among residents, healthcare institutions such as OLVG East, and local politicians. While the initiative aims to reduce drug use in public spaces and connect users with support services, recent figures showing a sharp rise in crack-related incidents across the city have made the discussion more urgent.
Increasing nuisance near hospital and in the neighbourhood
Reports indicate that while drug use in the nearby Oosterpark may have decreased, problems have shifted to nearby areas – especially the OLVG East hospital. Visitors and staff have noticed more disturbances in and around the building. These include drug users entering the hospital, leaving waste like needles, and sometimes behaving aggressively or stealing from wards.
To manage the situation, the hospital has increased security and restricted access to certain areas. However, many patients and visitors still report feeling unsafe, particularly near entrances and public spaces. Residents around Oosterpark are also raising concerns. Complaints include littering, street dealing and theft. Although not every issue can be directly linked to the support bus, it is clear that the overall pressure on the area has grown.
Balancing care and liveability
Local politicians acknowledge that the situation is difficult. On one hand, there is a strong need to support vulnerable people struggling with addiction. On the other hand, the impact on residents and institutions cannot be ignored.
District committee members have stressed the importance of finding balance. They support providing proper care and guidance for drug users but also call for solutions that reduce nuisance. Many believe that a permanent facility – larger and better equipped than the current bus – could offer a more stable and effective solution.
Crack incidents rising rapidly
The urgency is further increased by new police figures. Over the past five years, incidents involving crack cocaine in Amsterdam have more than doubled, reaching nearly 400 cases last year. Across the Netherlands, the trend is similar, with cases rising sharply from around 1,400 in 2021 to almost 4,000 in 2025.
Research highlights areas like Oosterpark and Delflandplein as places where street dealing continues openly, contributing to nuisance and insecurity.
Deeper causes behind the problem
Police point to wider social issues as a major cause. A key factor is the role of unreliable employment agencies that bring migrant workers – mainly from Eastern Europe – to the Netherlands. When these workers lose their jobs, they often also lose their housing, leaving them homeless and vulnerable.
Many end up on the streets, where they can fall into addiction, including crack use. Police stress that they can only respond to incidents, not solve the root of the problem. They believe stronger rules for these agencies are needed to prevent people from ending up in such situations.
Search for long-term solutions
The municipality has been trying to find a permanent location for a user facility, but progress has been slow after earlier plans were rejected. Until a better solution is found, the bus will remain in place at Oosterpark.
Mayor Femke Halsema supports sending foreign drug users back to their countries of origin, but charity groups say this alone won’t fix the problem and call for wider changes in labour and housing policy.
Thus, the situation around Oosterpark reflects a larger problem in Amsterdam: rising drug use, growing social vulnerability and pressure on public spaces. The support bus helps provide care, but it also highlights the limits of temporary solutions.
Written by Parul Sachdeva