Haruun Yussuf Sharif actively walks through Immerloo, a neighborhood in the eastern Dutch city of Arnhem, known for its high levels of drug-related crime.

The crime rates in this multicultural community are reportedly almost double the national average.

As part of a government-funded street coach program, Haruun seeks to discourage local youth from joining organized crime networks that recruit from social housing blocks.

Haruun's personal history deeply informs his mission.

Originally from Somalia, he arrived in the Netherlands as an unaccompanied minor and faced significant adversity, including living in a youth boarding house and experiencing violence that propelled him into a life of crime.

His background led him to internalize the harsh realities of his environment, initially causing him to engage in criminal activities and addiction.

However, he turned his life around through rehabilitation, which led him to his current role in the street coach program.

In his interactions with local youth, Haruun aims to build trust and rapport rather than adopt an authoritative stance.

Along with a colleague named Mustafa, he engages youths in conversations, fostering an open environment where they feel comfortable discussing their experiences.

Reports from local teens indicate that drug dealing is pervasive, with minors as young as 12 involved in the trade.

The Netherlands has long been recognized for its progressive drug policies, yet these have coincided with an alarming increase in violence associated with the drug trade.

In 2024 alone, the nation recorded over 14,000 drug-related crimes.

This surge is closely tied to rival gangs, notably the ethnic Moroccan crime syndicate, known as the Mocro Maffia.

The societal impact has led to significant shifts in public sentiment and political landscapes.

The far-right Freedom Party (PVV) has gained attention for its hardline stance on immigration and crime, advocating for increased police presence and harsher penalties for young offenders.

Meanwhile, progressive factions argue for a regulatory approach to drug use, aiming to diminish the stigmatization of marginalized communities.

Criminal organizations increasingly exploit minors to evade prosecution, as Dutch juvenile law limits maximum prison sentences for young offenders to two years, regardless of the crime's severity.

This has raised concerns across Europe, with a report indicating that minors constitute 70% of participants in the black market, including in drug trafficking and cybercrime.

Communication with dealers often occurs through encrypted applications, such as Snapchat, which facilitate anonymous interactions and quick transactions.

Young individuals, influenced by their surroundings and lack of opportunities, are drawn into the drug trade, initially as consumers and later as dealers.

The drug trade's influence is not confined to impoverished neighborhoods; it has spread to affluent areas as well.

Increased visibility of minor drug dealers has been reported in suburban communities, prompting local law enforcement to investigate unusual wealth among youths in these areas.

Empty drug packaging has been discovered in various locations, suggesting a robust drug distribution network operating near residential zones.

Efforts to address the recruitment of young individuals into drug gangs continue to evolve, as community members and authorities face the dual challenge of countering organized crime while providing viable alternatives for youth.