Project details

The FIDBID project is designed to reveal hidden information in chemical data from GC-MS drug screenings and use it to effectively combat subversive drug-related crime. By collaborating between forensic experts, criminologists, and data scientists, we aim to create valuable insights into the illegal drug production and market in the Netherlands that can be used by policymakers and law enforcement.

The FIDBID Work Packages

At the core of our project are 5 work packages. In 3 work packages, scientific research and method development are carried out by 3 PhD students at the University of Amsterdam and VU. In the 4th work package, partner Capgemini works on the development of a user validated prototype for task-specific data analysis and reporting to various professionals in the criminal justice chain. In the FIDBID vision, providing the right information in the right way to the right person is crucial to making a real difference in combating drug crime in our country. Finally, the 5th work package involves the Outreach program, proactively promoting the FIDBID project and new research opportunities both nationally and internationally, including organizing two symposia over the project's duration. Each work package has its specific objectives, but only through intensive collaboration can the main goal of the FIDBID project be achieved: generating current intelligence on the Dutch drug market based on the annual screening of more than 60,000 seized samples in ongoing case investigations.

Expected results

Up-to-date insights into the use of (pre)precursors, drug production, and transport of common illegal drugs
Realistic, data-supported crime scripts and current insights into the modus operandi of subversive illegal drug production in the Netherlands
A real-time monitoring system that signals changes in drug production and transport in real-time from ongoing case investigations
Additional information at the case level to support criminal investigations and reveal possible connections
Creation of a prototype for task-specific data analysis and reporting in the Dutch criminal justice system
Organization of a national and international congress to highlight the possibilities of FIDBID and promote successful implementation
Three dissertations successfully defended by three young scientists with expert knowledge on using science to combat drug-related crime