The Dutch public prosecution department is to launch an offensive against companies and individuals who ‘facilitate’ marijuana production.

The new opium law making it illegal to help people grow marijuana comes into effect on March 1, marking a further crackdown on the soft drugs market.

The legislation will not only target ‘grow shops’, which sell seeds, lamps, fertiliser and other supplies, but transport firms, landlords and electricians who help with illegal marijuana production.

The maximum sentence is three years in jail and a fine of €81,000, the department said.

All grow shops will lose their licences on March 1, the local authority organisation VNG is quoted as saying by broadcaster Nos.

The law will also have an impact on traditional garden centres who will be required to report customers who are growing marijuana, Nos says.