The maximum sentences for drugs-related crimes will go up considerably if parliament votes in favour of draft legislation published by the cabinet on Monday.

The maximum jail term for smuggling hard drugs will be increased from 12 to 16 years, trading hard drugs will go up from eight to 12 years and the possession of a “major quantity” of hard drugs will rise from six to eight years.

The aim is to make the Netherlands far more unattractive for drugs criminals “who recognise no borders and are a direct danger to our society, safety and the rule of law,” said justice minister David van Weel.

The increase means the Netherlands’ sentencing requirements are now more in line with neighbouring countries, Van Weel said. The current maximum sentences date from 1976.

Hard drugs are included on list 1 of the opium law and include heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and GHB. Hashish and marijuana are classified as soft drugs and are on list 2.