The Amsterdam local authorities are unable to tackle drugs-related criminal activity in the capital, a new report leaked to the Telegraaf, claims.

The report, which is to be presented on Friday, is based on the findings of police academy professor Pieter Tops, who specialises in research into criminal infiltration in legitimate businesses and institutions.

The research took some six months and shows that the trade in cocaine in Amsterdam is worth around €75m and coffee shop turnover is €300m. Behind the scenes the big drugs bosses have no trouble amassing large fortunes in what the Telegraaf calls ‘a golden age for the Amsterdam drugs criminals’.

Tops also found that new shops and bars in the centre of the city are set up launder criminal money  by transferring it abroad.

‘I know of at least 10 or 20 branches in the centre that are not kosher,’ an anonymous civil servant told Tops. Criminal money is also being invested in real estate in the capital which impacts on the housing market.

DutchNews.nl has asked Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema to comment on the claims.