Organised, subversive crime has become increasingly complex and professional, since it derives maximum benefit from the open economy and the strategic location of the Netherlands, as well as its strong logistical, financial and digital infrastructure. Its criminal networks, which operate globally, are becoming rooted in local districts. The illegal drug trade poses obvious threats to society: drug labs in residential neighbourhoods, the intimidating presence of outlaw motorcycle gangs, or hand grenades used to threaten restaurants and cafés. As vulnerable young people succumb to a life of severe drug-related crime, some districts are witnessing the birth of a parallel society in which it appears normal to participate in these crimes. There are increasing threats or incidents of extreme and brute force, which target not only the competition but also the government and specific professions (counter-strategies). Combating organised, subversive crime through criminal and tax law requires a long-term strategy in which unorthodox and innovative measures are taken as well. This approach should be aligned with the priorities of the Security Agenda: to combat the illegal drug trade and its foreign suppliers (‘upstream disruption’) – through the Caribbean Netherlands or elsewhere – and to counter the export of drugs, criminal cash flows and the trade in heavy and automatic weapons.