Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus. 
 
The nation`s first curfew since World War Two followed a warning by the National Institute for Health (RIVM) over a new wave of infections due to the "British variant" of the virus, and was imposed despite weeks of declines in new infections. 
 
Ten police were injured in the port city of Rotterdam, where 60 rioters were detained overnight, Dutch news agency ANP said on Tuesday. 
 
Two photographers were hurt after being targeted by rock-throwing gangs, one in the capital, Amsterdam, and another in the nearby town of Haarlem, broadcaster NH Nieuws said. 
 
In the capital`s east, at least nine people were held after clashes with riot police. Store windows were smashed and an angry group attacked a police van, witnesses said. 
 
Schools and non-essential shops have been shut since mid-December, after bars and restaurants were closed two months prior. 
 
The death toll in the Netherlands stands at 13,579, with 952,950 infections to date.

Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus.

Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus. The nation`s first curfew since World War Two followed a warning by the National Institute for Health (RIVM) over a new wave of infections due to the "British variant" of the virus, and was imposed despite weeks of declines in new infections. Ten police were injured in the port city of Rotterdam, where 60 rioters were detained overnight, Dutch news agency ANP said on Tuesday. Two photographers were hurt after being targeted by rock-throwing gangs, one in the capital, Amsterdam, and another in the nearby town of Haarlem, broadcaster NH Nieuws said. In the capital`s east, at least nine people were held after clashes with riot police. Store windows were smashed and an angry group attacked a police van, witnesses said. Schools and non-essential shops have been shut since mid-December, after bars and restaurants were closed two months prior. The death toll in the Netherlands stands at 13,579, with 952,950 infections to date.

Dutch police detain more than 150 in third night of curfew violence

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them.

In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said.

A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said.

A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said.

"The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country. In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them. In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said. A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said. A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said. "The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities

The curfew was passed in parliament on Thursday, albeit with a slightly later start time than the proposed 20:30.

Netherlands anti-curfew protests spark clashes with police

The Netherlands on Saturday began&nbsp;its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged.

This marks the country's toughest decision on the pandemic so far. The country's Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the curfew is largely intended to contain more infectious variants of the virus.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the country voted in favour of a curfew between 9 pm to 4.30 am.

The flight ban began on Saturday, with incoming planes from most countries banned.

"This is a very tough measure, but we are at a crossroads," Rutte said during&nbsp;a televised news conference. "The British variant doesn't leave us with an alternative."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/government-in-netherlands-resigns-after-benefit-scandal-357000" hreflang="en">Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal</a>

As part of the curfew, only people in emergency situations will be allowed to leave during the hours.

Exceptions against the curfew include medical emergencies, essential workers across fields, and walking pets on a leash. Violators are set to be fined $115. 
 
In addition, the government said that all international travellers arriving by planes or boats need to produce proof of two negative coronavirus rapid tests, which ought to be done just before departure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spray-experiment-in-netherlands-biggest-football-stadium-could-bring-back-crowds-348567" hreflang="en">'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds</a> 
 
Earlier, the country required a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Since mid-December, schools and non-essential shops have remained shut. Earlier, bars and restaurants across the country were closed. All such facilities will remain shut until at least February 9.

The Netherlands on Saturday began its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged.

The Netherlands on Saturday began its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged. This marks the country's toughest decision on the pandemic so far. The country's Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the curfew is largely intended to contain more infectious variants of the virus. On Saturday, the country voted in favour of a curfew between 9 pm to 4.30 am. The flight ban began on Saturday, with incoming planes from most countries banned. "This is a very tough measure, but we are at a crossroads," Rutte said during a televised news conference. "The British variant doesn't leave us with an alternative." Also read: Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal As part of the curfew, only people in emergency situations will be allowed to leave during the hours. Exceptions against the curfew include medical emergencies, essential workers across fields, and walking pets on a leash. Violators are set to be fined $115. In addition, the government said that all international travellers arriving by planes or boats need to produce proof of two negative coronavirus rapid tests, which ought to be done just before departure. Also read: 'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds Earlier, the country required a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel. Since mid-December, schools and non-essential shops have remained shut. Earlier, bars and restaurants across the country were closed. All such facilities will remain shut until at least February 9.

Netherlands begins flight ban, first curfew since World War II

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors.

Rutte and his Cabinet will continue running the government in a caretaker capacity, with general elections already scheduled for March. His center-right party is currently leading in the polls. The other parties in his coalition, who have also been touched by the scandal, are not expected to call for earlier elections because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Mistakes have been made on all levels that have led to great injustice for thousands of families. Innocent people have been criminalized, and their lives destroyed,” Rutte said in a news conference. “This Cabinet has taken full responsibility.” Rutte said the report that led to the downfall of the Cabinet was “hard as nails” but “fair.”

Rutte handed in his resignation and that of his entire Cabinet after riding his bicycle to see King Willem-Alexander van Oranje. He had been serving his third term as prime minister and had been leading the Netherlands since 2010. If his party gets the largest share of votes in the upcoming elections, he can serve a fourth term.

The report, the result of an inquiry in which Rutte was also questioned, concluded that “unprecedented injustice” had been done to innocent families, some of whom were forced to immediately repay huge amounts in child care benefits.

In many cases an administrative mistake like a missing signature was enough for the tax authority to label parents as frauds and fine families as much as tens of thousands of euros, the report said.

“Fundamental principles of the rule of law were violated,” it concluded, blasting both the government and Parliament for creating “rock-hard laws” with little room to fairly consider individual cases.

The chairman of the parliamentary committee that led the inquiry, Chris van Dam, said the system that was created to track down benefits fraud was “a mass process with no room for nuance.”

In a separate investigation, the Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded that tax inspectors had discriminated against citizens with dual nationality.

The former vice president of the Dutch Council of State, Herman Tjeenk Willink, added to the accusations of systematic failure by calling upon parliamentarians to also take responsibility for voting in the strict laws.

“They should look themselves in the mirror,” he wrote in an op-ed in NRC Handelsblad, “and question their own role in this affair.”

Insiders expected Rutte to shrug off any criticism very easily. “Yes, it is a disgrace this happened under Rutte’s responsibility,” said Joost Vullings, a political commentator, “but if anyone knows how to not feel embarrassed it is our prime minister. He will go full throttle to win the upcoming elections.”

Rutte said last month that the tax campaign detailed in the December report was “shameful,” and that the government has announced that nearly 10,000 families will each be given compensation of 30,000 euros, or about $36,500. Earlier this week Rutte insisted that the government should not step down because it could weaken the nation’s response to the pandemic.

The Netherlands has grappled with the coronavirus since March, and its inability to curb the spread of the disease has laid bare what many say are systemic problems with overregulation. Like many countries in Europe, the Netherlands is in lockdown.

A report in November ranked the government as a leading global tax haven for large corporations, so its pursuit of individuals for relatively small amounts did not go unnoticed.

This duality and others in Dutch politics highlight the downsides of the Dutch poldermodel, a system of subjecting every major decision to review by every institution, representative or even individual involved. The outcome is always a compromise.

“This affair is an example of a systematic mistake, that has risen from our coalition politics, where every party is scoring points for their own supporters,” said Sheila Sitalsing, a commentator for de Volkskrant, “but the final compromise becomes impossible to execute for those having to work with it on a daily basis.”

Sitalsing also said that voters for two decades have been rewarding politicians promising stricter rules. “So this is what you get,” she said of the child benefits scandal.

Families targeted by the tax authority on Tuesday stepped up the pressure on Rutte by calling for his Cabinet to step down in an open letter published in the Trouw newspaper.

“What needs to be done is clear: Everything should be repaired and cleaned up,” a group of families said. “We have no faith the current Cabinet is capable of doing this.”

In a rather unique move in the Netherlands, the families this week filed criminal charges against five politicians, including Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Economy Minister Eric Wiebes, for their role in the affair. If convicted, they could face up to six months in prison.

“We pressed criminal charges because the victims I represent have been ruined, some became homeless because of these policies. These politicians have been extremely negligent,” said Vasco Groeneveld, a lawyer representing 20 victims. “Every time I open their files, shivers run down my spine. These people have been treated awfully.”

Wiebes, who was minister of finances in a previous Cabinet, will resign immediately and will not stay on in the caretaker government, NOS reported.

On Thursday, the opposition leader Lodewijk Asscher, a former minister of social affairs, stepped down as leader of the Dutch Labour Party over his role. His resignation increased the pressure on Rutte to reconsider his position.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors. Rutte and his Cabinet will continue running the government in a caretaker capacity, with general elections already scheduled for March. His center-right party is currently leading in the polls. The other parties in his coalition, who have also been touched by the scandal, are not expected to call for earlier elections because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Mistakes have been made on all levels that have led to great injustice for thousands of families. Innocent people have been criminalized, and their lives destroyed,” Rutte said in a news conference. “This Cabinet has taken full responsibility.” Rutte said the report that led to the downfall of the Cabinet was “hard as nails” but “fair.” Rutte handed in his resignation and that of his entire Cabinet after riding his bicycle to see King Willem-Alexander van Oranje. He had been serving his third term as prime minister and had been leading the Netherlands since 2010. If his party gets the largest share of votes in the upcoming elections, he can serve a fourth term. The report, the result of an inquiry in which Rutte was also questioned, concluded that “unprecedented injustice” had been done to innocent families, some of whom were forced to immediately repay huge amounts in child care benefits. In many cases an administrative mistake like a missing signature was enough for the tax authority to label parents as frauds and fine families as much as tens of thousands of euros, the report said. “Fundamental principles of the rule of law were violated,” it concluded, blasting both the government and Parliament for creating “rock-hard laws” with little room to fairly consider individual cases. The chairman of the parliamentary committee that led the inquiry, Chris van Dam, said the system that was created to track down benefits fraud was “a mass process with no room for nuance.” In a separate investigation, the Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded that tax inspectors had discriminated against citizens with dual nationality. The former vice president of the Dutch Council of State, Herman Tjeenk Willink, added to the accusations of systematic failure by calling upon parliamentarians to also take responsibility for voting in the strict laws. “They should look themselves in the mirror,” he wrote in an op-ed in NRC Handelsblad, “and question their own role in this affair.” Insiders expected Rutte to shrug off any criticism very easily. “Yes, it is a disgrace this happened under Rutte’s responsibility,” said Joost Vullings, a political commentator, “but if anyone knows how to not feel embarrassed it is our prime minister. He will go full throttle to win the upcoming elections.” Rutte said last month that the tax campaign detailed in the December report was “shameful,” and that the government has announced that nearly 10,000 families will each be given compensation of 30,000 euros, or about $36,500. Earlier this week Rutte insisted that the government should not step down because it could weaken the nation’s response to the pandemic. The Netherlands has grappled with the coronavirus since March, and its inability to curb the spread of the disease has laid bare what many say are systemic problems with overregulation. Like many countries in Europe, the Netherlands is in lockdown. A report in November ranked the government as a leading global tax haven for large corporations, so its pursuit of individuals for relatively small amounts did not go unnoticed. This duality and others in Dutch politics highlight the downsides of the Dutch poldermodel, a system of subjecting every major decision to review by every institution, representative or even individual involved. The outcome is always a compromise. “This affair is an example of a systematic mistake, that has risen from our coalition politics, where every party is scoring points for their own supporters,” said Sheila Sitalsing, a commentator for de Volkskrant, “but the final compromise becomes impossible to execute for those having to work with it on a daily basis.” Sitalsing also said that voters for two decades have been rewarding politicians promising stricter rules. “So this is what you get,” she said of the child benefits scandal. Families targeted by the tax authority on Tuesday stepped up the pressure on Rutte by calling for his Cabinet to step down in an open letter published in the Trouw newspaper. “What needs to be done is clear: Everything should be repaired and cleaned up,” a group of families said. “We have no faith the current Cabinet is capable of doing this.” In a rather unique move in the Netherlands, the families this week filed criminal charges against five politicians, including Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Economy Minister Eric Wiebes, for their role in the affair. If convicted, they could face up to six months in prison. “We pressed criminal charges because the victims I represent have been ruined, some became homeless because of these policies. These politicians have been extremely negligent,” said Vasco Groeneveld, a lawyer representing 20 victims. “Every time I open their files, shivers run down my spine. These people have been treated awfully.” Wiebes, who was minister of finances in a previous Cabinet, will resign immediately and will not stay on in the caretaker government, NOS reported. On Thursday, the opposition leader Lodewijk Asscher, a former minister of social affairs, stepped down as leader of the Dutch Labour Party over his role. His resignation increased the pressure on Rutte to reconsider his position.

Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal

New mutant Coronavirus continues to spread across the world. Belgium has become the latest country to detect this new variant. Belgium has reported 4 cases of mutant Coronavirus in region bordering Netherlands.

Belgium report 4 cases of mutant Coronavirus in region bordering Netherlands

A trade deal between the UK and European Union is still facing road Blocks. This is for some UK businesses to look towards EU nations one such business is Snag Tights. It has become the latest 140 business from Britain that setup a base in Netherlands.

Dutch town attracts business from UK

From a first date that ended in bloody carnage in Baghdad, to finally receiving the keys to a new home in The Netherlands, watch their story of struggle.

From refugee camp to a decent home, this couple flee from violence of Iraq

Later that year, they caught up with them in a migrant shelter in The Netherlands, where the couple already had family, as they filed their first asylum claim.

From war to peace, this couple walked on foot across 7 countries

Weeks before Christmas and New Year, Netherlands and Italy have said that they're going to follow Germany in imposing stricter lockdown during the holiday period.

Netherlands, Italy to follow Germany for COVID-19 lockdown during upcoming holidays

People were further advised to stay at home, not to travel to work and to avoid contact with other people as much as possible.

Europe: Netherlands to go into strict five-weeks lockdown

One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands.

Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-monolith-found-on-english-island-similar-to-ones-in-romania-us-348041">Now monolith found on English island, similar to ones in Romania, US</a>

A group of hikers found a silver-coloured metal monolith at a&nbsp;private land near the Kiekenberg nature reserve in northern Friesland province,&nbsp;a spokesman for the Dutch Forestry Commission reported.

Continuing the mystery of how was the monolith erected in the place, the Netherlands officials, too, have not been able to find any traces of disruption in the area. "We know that it was probably placed this weekend because some hikers who were walking there found it, but we don't know it got there," forestry commission spokesman Imke Boerma explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-metal-monolith-replaced-with-a-cross-amid-chants-of-christ-is-king-by-trump-supporters-347434">California metal monolith replaced with a Cross amid chants of 'Christ is king' by Trump supporters</a>

"I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith.

He also added that it would "certainly have needed two or more people" to place the shiny structure.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sweet-profits-us-candy-shop-installs-personal-metal-monolith-to-attract-customers-347745">Sweet profits: US candy shop installs personal metal monolith to attract customers</a>

As per local media reports, this structure looks very similar in&nbsp;height and width to the ones found in other parts of the world — such as California and Romania — but is less shiny and dull-silver coloured sturcture.

This is one of the many monoliths found around the world since the first one was spotted in a desert of Utah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-after-utah-romania-monolith-disappears-too-347034">WATCH|</a>

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One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands. Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.

One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands. Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place. Also read| Now monolith found on English island, similar to ones in Romania, US A group of hikers found a silver-coloured metal monolith at a private land near the Kiekenberg nature reserve in northern Friesland province, a spokesman for the Dutch Forestry Commission reported. Continuing the mystery of how was the monolith erected in the place, the Netherlands officials, too, have not been able to find any traces of disruption in the area. "We know that it was probably placed this weekend because some hikers who were walking there found it, but we don't know it got there," forestry commission spokesman Imke Boerma explained. Also read | California metal monolith replaced with a Cross amid chants of 'Christ is king' by Trump supporters "I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith. He also added that it would "certainly have needed two or more people" to place the shiny structure. Have a look| Sweet profits: US candy shop installs personal metal monolith to attract customers As per local media reports, this structure looks very similar in height and width to the ones found in other parts of the world — such as California and Romania — but is less shiny and dull-silver coloured sturcture. This is one of the many monoliths found around the world since the first one was spotted in a desert of Utah. WATCH| ×

Another one: Hiker finds a new metal monolith in the Netherlands

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said.

It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana.&nbsp;

Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

"The smuggler had obtained forged documents" to take it out of the country, Mohammed was quoted as saying in a statement.

Dutch customs intercepted it at Amsterdam airport and "alerted the.. Information and Heritage Inspectorate of the Netherlands to give an opinion," the statement said.

Dutch officials then contacted their Nigerian counterparts, leading to the return of the "priceless and timeless" artefact, Mohammed said.

Hundreds of Nigerian artefacts, including Benin bronzes stolen during pre-colonial and colonial period, are in museums in Europe and the United States.

Mohammed said Nigeria would continue to seek their return.&nbsp;

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said. It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana.

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said. It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana. Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital Abuja. "The smuggler had obtained forged documents" to take it out of the country, Mohammed was quoted as saying in a statement. Dutch customs intercepted it at Amsterdam airport and "alerted the.. Information and Heritage Inspectorate of the Netherlands to give an opinion," the statement said. Dutch officials then contacted their Nigerian counterparts, leading to the return of the "priceless and timeless" artefact, Mohammed said. Hundreds of Nigerian artefacts, including Benin bronzes stolen during pre-colonial and colonial period, are in museums in Europe and the United States. Mohammed said Nigeria would continue to seek their return.

Nigeria gets back 'priceless' smuggled antique from Netherlands

Authorities in The Netherlands have culled some 190,000 chickens after a highly-contagious strain of bird flu broke out at at least two poultry farms.

Health workers slaughtered around 100,000 hens at a poultry farm at Hekendorp outside Gouda while 90,000 chicks were culled at Witmarsum, in northern Friesland.

In both cases "a highly-contagious strain of the H5 variant" was suspected, the agriculture ministry said Sunday in a statement.

Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds.

Dutch Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten on October 23 imposed preventative indoor containment on all commercial poultry farms after two dead swans were discovered carrying the highly contagious H5N8 variety of bird flu.

The new measures come as the Netherlands also battles a second wave of Covid-19 which continued to infect around 6,000 people a day.

Authorities in The Netherlands have culled some 190,000 chickens after a highly-contagious strain of bird flu broke out at at least two poultry farms. Health workers slaughtered around 100,000 hens at a poultry farm at Hekendorp outside Gouda while 90,000 chicks were culled at Witmarsum, in northern Friesland.

Authorities in The Netherlands have culled some 190,000 chickens after a highly-contagious strain of bird flu broke out at at least two poultry farms. Health workers slaughtered around 100,000 hens at a poultry farm at Hekendorp outside Gouda while 90,000 chicks were culled at Witmarsum, in northern Friesland. In both cases "a highly-contagious strain of the H5 variant" was suspected, the agriculture ministry said Sunday in a statement. Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds. Dutch Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten on October 23 imposed preventative indoor containment on all commercial poultry farms after two dead swans were discovered carrying the highly contagious H5N8 variety of bird flu. The new measures come as the Netherlands also battles a second wave of Covid-19 which continued to infect around 6,000 people a day.

Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak

The Dutch government announced plans this week to allow doctors to end the lives of terminally ill children who are under 13 years old, a decision that is bound to inflame the debate over physician-assisted death.

The Netherlands already allows doctors to facilitate the deaths of people who are over 12 or less than 1 year old as long as parents have given their consent.

In a letter to parliament Tuesday, the Dutch health minister, Hugo de Jonge, proposed expanding the law to include children between the ages of 1 and 12 who are dying and suffering.

“In a small number of cases, palliative care isn’t sufficient,” de Jonge wrote. “Because of that, some children suffer unnecessarily without any hope of improvement.”

He estimated that the measure would affect about five to 10 children every year.

Doctors in the Netherlands have expressed concern that they could be held criminally liable if they were to help end the lives of “incurably ill” children between 1 and 12, because the law had no provision for children that age who are expected to die imminently.

Under the current law, a doctor may end the life of a child younger than 1, with the consent of the child’s parents, if the child is experiencing “intolerable and hopeless suffering,” de Jonge wrote.

He said the new regulation would provide more transparency for doctors.

Three other European countries — Luxembourg, Belgium and Switzerland — allow physician-assisted death, though the laws differ in each country. Belgium allows children to die with the help of a doctor, but in Luxembourg, the law is restricted to adults with an incurable medical condition.

Canada, parts of Australia and Colombia have also legalized physician-assisted death for adults in certain cases.

In the Netherlands, parliament does not need to vote on the new regulation because it will be folded into the already existing law, de Jonge said in the letter.

Nevertheless, a parliamentary majority is expected to agree with the change, which will take a few months to finalize, a spokesman for de Jonge said.

“It’s an intensely complicated and sad issue,” de Jonge told Dutch broadcaster NOS on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Ira Byock, a palliative care physician and director of the Providence Institute for Human Caring, the development in the Netherlands is a worrying example of the growing reliance on medically assisted death to address wrenching health cases, rather than finding compassionate ways of helping people cope with pain and suffering.

“We can always manage someone’s physical suffering,” he said. “We can always provide medication that approaches general anesthesia and allows someone to die gently — sleep through the end of their life.”

Byock said he was concerned about growing calls in the United States to use euthanasia to help adults with degenerative conditions to end their lives.

“When patients who are suffering are seen as problems to be fixed, rather than whole persons to be cared for, we have set ourselves up for a situation that is damaging to the profession and to our society as a whole,” he said.

Byock added: “We’re all on this slippery slope.”

Eight states and Washington, D.C., have laws that allow mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and six months or less to live to obtain prescription medication that will hasten their deaths, according to Death With Dignity, an Oregon-based nonprofit that supports such laws.

The new language in the Dutch law could create “pressure in the United States to try and expand our conservative policy to include people who are unable to consent but are terminally ill and adults,” said Arthur Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center.

But he expressed doubts that the United States would start following the example of the Netherlands, where people with mental illness have been allowed to end their lives with the help of doctors.

Americans have less faith in their medical system than the Dutch, who are more likely to believe doctors when they say a medical condition is hopeless, Caplan said.

The Netherlands is “a small country,” he said. “The doctors and the patients know each other very well, and there is pretty good access to health care.”

Caplan added: “In the United States, we have large segments of people who don’t have access to good health care, and that means more mistrust.”

The Dutch government announced plans this week to allow doctors to end the lives of terminally ill children who are under 13 years old, a decision that is bound to inflame the debate over physician-assisted death.

The Dutch government announced plans this week to allow doctors to end the lives of terminally ill children who are under 13 years old, a decision that is bound to inflame the debate over physician-assisted death. The Netherlands already allows doctors to facilitate the deaths of people who are over 12 or less than 1 year old as long as parents have given their consent. In a letter to parliament Tuesday, the Dutch health minister, Hugo de Jonge, proposed expanding the law to include children between the ages of 1 and 12 who are dying and suffering. “In a small number of cases, palliative care isn’t sufficient,” de Jonge wrote. “Because of that, some children suffer unnecessarily without any hope of improvement.” He estimated that the measure would affect about five to 10 children every year. Doctors in the Netherlands have expressed concern that they could be held criminally liable if they were to help end the lives of “incurably ill” children between 1 and 12, because the law had no provision for children that age who are expected to die imminently. Under the current law, a doctor may end the life of a child younger than 1, with the consent of the child’s parents, if the child is experiencing “intolerable and hopeless suffering,” de Jonge wrote. He said the new regulation would provide more transparency for doctors. Three other European countries — Luxembourg, Belgium and Switzerland — allow physician-assisted death, though the laws differ in each country. Belgium allows children to die with the help of a doctor, but in Luxembourg, the law is restricted to adults with an incurable medical condition. Canada, parts of Australia and Colombia have also legalized physician-assisted death for adults in certain cases. In the Netherlands, parliament does not need to vote on the new regulation because it will be folded into the already existing law, de Jonge said in the letter. Nevertheless, a parliamentary majority is expected to agree with the change, which will take a few months to finalize, a spokesman for de Jonge said. “It’s an intensely complicated and sad issue,” de Jonge told Dutch broadcaster NOS on Tuesday. According to Dr. Ira Byock, a palliative care physician and director of the Providence Institute for Human Caring, the development in the Netherlands is a worrying example of the growing reliance on medically assisted death to address wrenching health cases, rather than finding compassionate ways of helping people cope with pain and suffering. “We can always manage someone’s physical suffering,” he said. “We can always provide medication that approaches general anesthesia and allows someone to die gently — sleep through the end of their life.” Byock said he was concerned about growing calls in the United States to use euthanasia to help adults with degenerative conditions to end their lives. “When patients who are suffering are seen as problems to be fixed, rather than whole persons to be cared for, we have set ourselves up for a situation that is damaging to the profession and to our society as a whole,” he said. Byock added: “We’re all on this slippery slope.” Eight states and Washington, D.C., have laws that allow mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and six months or less to live to obtain prescription medication that will hasten their deaths, according to Death With Dignity, an Oregon-based nonprofit that supports such laws. The new language in the Dutch law could create “pressure in the United States to try and expand our conservative policy to include people who are unable to consent but are terminally ill and adults,” said Arthur Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center. But he expressed doubts that the United States would start following the example of the Netherlands, where people with mental illness have been allowed to end their lives with the help of doctors. Americans have less faith in their medical system than the Dutch, who are more likely to believe doctors when they say a medical condition is hopeless, Caplan said. The Netherlands is “a small country,” he said. “The doctors and the patients know each other very well, and there is pretty good access to health care.” Caplan added: “In the United States, we have large segments of people who don’t have access to good health care, and that means more mistrust.”

Netherlands to allow doctors to help end lives of terminally ill children

Europe is grappling with the second wave of coronavirus and the governments are raising to impose stricter restrictions but the question is is it too late to? Watch report.

Europe overtakes US in daily caseload: Worried Europe nations revive curfews

The Netherlands has imposed a semi lockdown from Wednesday night but how did the Dutch into account all the impact of the restrictions and the lockdown have had on the economy. Watch report.

Last party for Dutch as lockdown starts: Who is afraid of coronavirus?

The government of Russia on Thursday said that it is discontinueing the consultations with Australia and the Netherlands over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-questions-about-the-mh17-trial-284521">In pictures: Five key questions about the MH17 trial</a> 
 
Calling the talks ‘meaningless’ Russia accused both the countries of not seeking to establish what happened. Russia said investigations conducted had been biased and politicised.

"Such unfriendly actions by the Netherlands make it meaningless to continue our participation in tripartite talks," the ministry said in a statement, calling the Dutch-led investigations into the downing "biased, superficial and politicised".

"Australia and the Netherlands did not seek to understand what really happened in the summer of 2014, but instead were aiming to get Russia to admit guilt and receive compensation for the victims' relatives," the ministry added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was surprised by Russia's unilateral decision to stop negotiations on its liability for the downing of flight MH17, as well as by the timing.

"This is painful for the next of kin," he told Dutch media in Brussels on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of Russia on Thursday said that it is discontinueing the consultations with Australia and the Netherlands over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17.

The government of Russia on Thursday said that it is discontinueing the consultations with Australia and the Netherlands over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17. In pictures: Five key questions about the MH17 trial Calling the talks ‘meaningless’ Russia accused both the countries of not seeking to establish what happened. Russia said investigations conducted had been biased and politicised. "Such unfriendly actions by the Netherlands make it meaningless to continue our participation in tripartite talks," the ministry said in a statement, calling the Dutch-led investigations into the downing "biased, superficial and politicised". "Australia and the Netherlands did not seek to understand what really happened in the summer of 2014, but instead were aiming to get Russia to admit guilt and receive compensation for the victims' relatives," the ministry added. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was surprised by Russia's unilateral decision to stop negotiations on its liability for the downing of flight MH17, as well as by the timing. "This is painful for the next of kin," he told Dutch media in Brussels on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia pulls cooperation on MH17 probe, calls it 'meaningless'

Coronavirus restrictions are taking effect in the Netherlands, the UK, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe as these nations try to reverse an alarming wave in new COVID-19 cases.

Europe reporting 100,000 COVID-19 cases per day: Second coronavirus pandemic wave

In the Netherlands, burials have started to take place in what is described as "world's first living coffin" to accelerate the decomposition of the body.&nbsp;

Named as "Living Cocoon", the coffin is made from mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/increased-number-of-burials-hint-towards-a-higher-death-toll-in-jakarta-296150">Increased number of burials hint towards a higher death toll in Jakarta</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/increased-number-of-burials-hint-towards-a-higher-death-toll-in-jakarta-296150">&nbsp;</a>

"This is the world's first living coffin, and actually last Saturday the first human being in the Netherlands was composted and returned into the cycle of life," said Bob Hendrikx to news agency AFP, who invented these coffins in his student laboratory at Delft Technical University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-high-alert-as-mass-burials-take-place-in-st-sebastian-church-212928">Sri Lanka on high alert as mass burials take place in St Sebastian Church</a>

With the help of these coffins, the body can decompose in two to three years, which in traditional burials take over 10 years.&nbsp;

The casket will disappear within 30 to 45 days and has the size of a traditional coffin.&nbsp;

Hendrikx called the mycelium, "biggest recyclers" of nature, saying using this coffin is "most natural way" to bury a body.&nbsp;

"We no longer pollute the environment with toxins in our body and all the stuff that goes into the coffins but actually try to enrich it and really be compost for nature," he further elaborated.&nbsp;

This casket will also not put a burden in one's pocket as they cost around 1500 euros (USD 1,764.87). 
&nbsp;

In the Netherlands, burials have started to take place in what is described as "world's first living coffin" to accelerate the decomposition of the body. Named as "Living Cocoon", the coffin is made from mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms.

In the Netherlands, burials have started to take place in what is described as "world's first living coffin" to accelerate the decomposition of the body. Named as "Living Cocoon", the coffin is made from mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms. Also read | Increased number of burials hint towards a higher death toll in Jakarta "This is the world's first living coffin, and actually last Saturday the first human being in the Netherlands was composted and returned into the cycle of life," said Bob Hendrikx to news agency AFP, who invented these coffins in his student laboratory at Delft Technical University. Also read | Sri Lanka on high alert as mass burials take place in St Sebastian Church With the help of these coffins, the body can decompose in two to three years, which in traditional burials take over 10 years. The casket will disappear within 30 to 45 days and has the size of a traditional coffin. Hendrikx called the mycelium, "biggest recyclers" of nature, saying using this coffin is "most natural way" to bury a body. "We no longer pollute the environment with toxins in our body and all the stuff that goes into the coffins but actually try to enrich it and really be compost for nature," he further elaborated. This casket will also not put a burden in one's pocket as they cost around 1500 euros (USD 1,764.87).

Netherlands: World's first funeral organised using 'living coffin' made of mushrooms

Experts in the Netherlands are analyzing sewage samples to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in an effort to help health authorities and hospitals adapt countering strategies and anticipate possible new waves of infection.

Netherlands uses sewage samples to better predict, analyze spread of COVID-19

As EU negotiations over a coronavirus recovery fund and a new budget for the bloc ran into an impasse, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte was singled out by one leader this weekend as the "man responsible for the whole mess".&nbsp;

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused him of that, while Spanish and Italian diplomats have taken to calling him "Mr&nbsp;No No No!".

Standing up for not spending money on European projects requires a naysayer, and Rutte has taken on the role with calculated determination as leader of a group of smaller "frugal" nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/european-unions-coronavirus-rescue-summit-moment-of-truth-says-macron-313966" hreflang="en">European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron</a>

While he may cut a less colourful figure than Margaret Thatcher a generation ago, Rutte's readiness to don the mantle of parsimony after Britain's departure from the EU is solidly grounded in public opinion and politics at home.

The Dutch, who support EU membership by a two-thirds majority, take pride in both their history as a trading nation and their traditional Calvinist thrift.

Dutch taxpayers are aware that they are proportionately among the largest contributors to the EU budget, and the idea of giving or lending more is unpopular.&nbsp;

The "Mr. No" moniker derives from an April video clip, frequently retweeted, that shows a Dutch waste collector shouting at Rutte not to give money to "those Italians and French".

"Oh, no, no, no." Rutte replied. "I will remember this."&nbsp;

Critics say the Dutch reluctance to spend now is misplaced, given the country's large trade surplus with the rest of the EU. Unicredit economist Erik Nielsen argued in a note on Sunday that the Dutch 2018 net budget contribution of 2.4 billion euros "tells only a small part of the real financial story".

"According to the Tax Justice Network, that same year, the Netherlands’ tax haven structures helped them grab 6.7 billion euros in tax receipts from Germany, France, Italy and Spain," he wrote.

But conversations in the Netherlands more often focus on whether Dutch prosperity is the result of a tougher work ethic, and whether it is fair to share funds with countries that have a lower retirement age.

Domestic politics also play a role. With national elections looming in March, Rutte's conservative VVD Party must jockey with far-right parties for exactly those voters most likely to be euro-sceptic.

In addition, his current centre-right coalition lacks a majority in parliament. Any compromise struck in Brussels now that goes too far in the eyes of the Dutch might not be ratified later in The Hague.

This rejection happened in 2005 and again, to a deal Rutte had agreed to, in 2016.

As EU negotiations over a coronavirus recovery fund and a new budget for the bloc ran into an impasse, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte was singled out by one leader this weekend as the "man responsible for the whole mess".

As EU negotiations over a coronavirus recovery fund and a new budget for the bloc ran into an impasse, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte was singled out by one leader this weekend as the "man responsible for the whole mess". Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused him of that, while Spanish and Italian diplomats have taken to calling him "Mr No No No!". Standing up for not spending money on European projects requires a naysayer, and Rutte has taken on the role with calculated determination as leader of a group of smaller "frugal" nations. Also read: European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron While he may cut a less colourful figure than Margaret Thatcher a generation ago, Rutte's readiness to don the mantle of parsimony after Britain's departure from the EU is solidly grounded in public opinion and politics at home. The Dutch, who support EU membership by a two-thirds majority, take pride in both their history as a trading nation and their traditional Calvinist thrift. Dutch taxpayers are aware that they are proportionately among the largest contributors to the EU budget, and the idea of giving or lending more is unpopular. The "Mr. No" moniker derives from an April video clip, frequently retweeted, that shows a Dutch waste collector shouting at Rutte not to give money to "those Italians and French". "Oh, no, no, no." Rutte replied. "I will remember this." Critics say the Dutch reluctance to spend now is misplaced, given the country's large trade surplus with the rest of the EU. Unicredit economist Erik Nielsen argued in a note on Sunday that the Dutch 2018 net budget contribution of 2.4 billion euros "tells only a small part of the real financial story". "According to the Tax Justice Network, that same year, the Netherlands’ tax haven structures helped them grab 6.7 billion euros in tax receipts from Germany, France, Italy and Spain," he wrote. But conversations in the Netherlands more often focus on whether Dutch prosperity is the result of a tougher work ethic, and whether it is fair to share funds with countries that have a lower retirement age. Domestic politics also play a role. With national elections looming in March, Rutte's conservative VVD Party must jockey with far-right parties for exactly those voters most likely to be euro-sceptic. In addition, his current centre-right coalition lacks a majority in parliament. Any compromise struck in Brussels now that goes too far in the eyes of the Dutch might not be ratified later in The Hague. This rejection happened in 2005 and again, to a deal Rutte had agreed to, in 2016.

'Mr No, No, No': Why Dutch PM Rutte plays role of EU bogeyman

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17,&nbsp;killing nearly 300 people&nbsp;over eastern Ukraine six years ago.

The Dutch government's move is designed to support cases brought by the relatives of dozens of victims to the Strasbourg-based court, Foreign Minister Stef Blok said.

The Boeing 777 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was blown out of the sky by a surface-to-air missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-questions-about-the-mh17-trial-284521">Five key questions about the MH17 trial</a>

"Achieving justice for the 298 victims of the downing of flight MH17 is and will remain the government's highest priority," Blok said in a statement.

"By taking this step today, bringing a case before the ECHR and thus supporting the applications by the next of kin as much as we can, we are moving closer to this goal."&nbsp;

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-meddling-casts-dark-shadow-over-mh17-trial-says-prosecutors-285536">Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors</a>

The Netherlands, home to roughly two-thirds of the 298 victims, holds&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;responsible for the crash.The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in the matter.

After years of collecting evidence, a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation team (JIT) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the jet came from a&nbsp;Russian army base just across the border.

The JIT subsequently issued arrest warrants for four suspects, who were put on trial in the Netherlands in absentia earlier this year.

The four suspects, three&nbsp;Russian men and one Ukrainian, are said to have arranged the missile system. They remain at large and are believed to be in&nbsp;Russia.

Despite the new court case, the Dutch government said it wanted to continue the talks with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on MH17 that it started together with Australia over a year ago.

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17, killing nearly 300 people over eastern Ukraine six years ago.

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17, killing nearly 300 people over eastern Ukraine six years ago. The Dutch government's move is designed to support cases brought by the relatives of dozens of victims to the Strasbourg-based court, Foreign Minister Stef Blok said. The Boeing 777 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was blown out of the sky by a surface-to-air missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. Also see: Five key questions about the MH17 trial "Achieving justice for the 298 victims of the downing of flight MH17 is and will remain the government's highest priority," Blok said in a statement. "By taking this step today, bringing a case before the ECHR and thus supporting the applications by the next of kin as much as we can, we are moving closer to this goal." There was no immediate reaction from Moscow. Also read: Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors The Netherlands, home to roughly two-thirds of the 298 victims, holds Russia responsible for the crash.The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in the matter. After years of collecting evidence, a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation team (JIT) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the jet came from a Russian army base just across the border. The JIT subsequently issued arrest warrants for four suspects, who were put on trial in the Netherlands in absentia earlier this year. The four suspects, three Russian men and one Ukrainian, are said to have arranged the missile system. They remain at large and are believed to be in Russia. Despite the new court case, the Dutch government said it wanted to continue the talks with Russia on MH17 that it started together with Australia over a year ago.

Dutch government takes Russia to European court over downing of MH17

At a time when even liquor is overpriced and rare to get hold of in a few states, a young man in Andhra was about a receive a foreign post of high-value drugs, but the plans were&nbsp;thwarted.&nbsp;

Customs officials in Chennai seized a Foreign post parcel that contained 400pills of banned narcotic substance Ecstasy worth Rs12lakhs. An Andhra-based smuggler who was the recipient of the parcel has also been arrested.&nbsp;

According to Officials, a parcel from Haarlem, the Netherlands which was consigned for Bhimavaram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh was detained, based on intelligence inputs.&nbsp;

On examination, the parcel contained a tiny toy box within which two plastic pouches with coloured tablets were found. Those 400 tablets in green-yellow and pink colour, tested positive for narcotic substance MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).&nbsp;

In narcotics parlance, the green-yellow pills are known as ‘Brazuca’, which contains 220mg MDMA, whereas the pink pills are known as ‘Givenchy’ contain 250mg of MDMA and their samples have been sent to the laboratory.&nbsp;

“We had made two earlier seizures of MDMA this year. During the nationwide lockdown, Cannabis which was sent to Andhra Pradesh via foreign post from America&nbsp;was seized. There have been other cases in the past also where drugs have been seized ”,&nbsp;Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION.

"Based on searches carried&nbsp;out at the recipient address(550km away from Chennai), the accused, a 27-year old engineering dropout was brought to Chennai by road. It was learnt that he had booked the parcel via Dark Web and made the payment via Bitcoin. The individual confessed to his role in smuggling before the magistrate and the accused was remanded in judicial custody,"&nbsp;Rajan Chaudhary added.

MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy, is a party drug that alters mood and perception. It is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens which produce feelings of increased energy and pleasure. The seized pills are highly potent as they contain over 200mg MMDA per pill. Even dosages above 120mg are considered to be fatal.

At a time when even liquor is overpriced and rare to get hold of in a few states, a young man in Andhra was about a receive a foreign post of high-value drugs, but the plans were thwarted.

At a time when even liquor is overpriced and rare to get hold of in a few states, a young man in Andhra was about a receive a foreign post of high-value drugs, but the plans were thwarted. Customs officials in Chennai seized a Foreign post parcel that contained 400pills of banned narcotic substance Ecstasy worth Rs12lakhs. An Andhra-based smuggler who was the recipient of the parcel has also been arrested. According to Officials, a parcel from Haarlem, the Netherlands which was consigned for Bhimavaram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh was detained, based on intelligence inputs. On examination, the parcel contained a tiny toy box within which two plastic pouches with coloured tablets were found. Those 400 tablets in green-yellow and pink colour, tested positive for narcotic substance MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). In narcotics parlance, the green-yellow pills are known as ‘Brazuca’, which contains 220mg MDMA, whereas the pink pills are known as ‘Givenchy’ contain 250mg of MDMA and their samples have been sent to the laboratory. “We had made two earlier seizures of MDMA this year. During the nationwide lockdown, Cannabis which was sent to Andhra Pradesh via foreign post from America was seized. There have been other cases in the past also where drugs have been seized ”, Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION. "Based on searches carried out at the recipient address(550km away from Chennai), the accused, a 27-year old engineering dropout was brought to Chennai by road. It was learnt that he had booked the parcel via Dark Web and made the payment via Bitcoin. The individual confessed to his role in smuggling before the magistrate and the accused was remanded in judicial custody," Rajan Chaudhary added. MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy, is a party drug that alters mood and perception. It is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens which produce feelings of increased energy and pleasure. The seized pills are highly potent as they contain over 200mg MMDA per pill. Even dosages above 120mg are considered to be fatal.

Ecstasy Pills worth Rs 12 lakhs sent from Netherlands to Andhra Pradesh, seized in Chennai, 1 arrested 

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