Although the drug trade is generally viewed as a phenomenon new to the Netherlands, at the beginning of the 20th century, the Dutch pharmaceutical industries were already extensively involved in the production of both opiates and cocaine. They continued to export large quantities of these drugs even after the Opium Act (1919) was enacted. Until the 1960's arrests were uncommon, and these largely affected minority groups such as Chinese opium smokers and black marijuana users. Since then, drug control efforts have increased sharply. At first, cannabis was the primary target; then the focus shifted to heroin, and this was later joined by cocaine. In the 1930's police estimated they could intercept only 10 percent of contraband drugs, partly because they were dealing with international crime syndicates. The current situation has not changed much. The 10-percent doctrine is still the norm. The big problem continues to be the strength and persistence of professional crime syndicates in the face of police efforts. 52 notes