This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Amsterdam, a city of 800,000 people, has been grappling with rising crime rates, particularly in the realm of recreational drug use, which has long been tolerated by law enforcement.
On Wednesday night, former Dutch footballer Kelvin Maynard, 32, was shot dead in the Dutch capital, in an incident that has left authorities reeling.
According to police, Maynard was driving his car in a south-east district of Amsterdam when two assailants on a motorbike opened fire, killing him instantly.
Maynard, a defender, had been playing for Dutch amateur club 'Alphense Boys' this season, and had previously played for several clubs in Portugal, Hungary, and England, including Volendam, Sporting Clube Olhanense, Kecskemeti TE, and Burton Albion.
Police have launched an investigation into the shooting and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Maynard's murder comes on the same day a prominent Dutch lawyer, involved in a case against a gang accused of drug-related killings, was gunned down in front of his Amsterdam home.
As the city struggles to contain the growing crime problem, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
