Dutch PM ‘targeted for kidnapping by drug gangs’

THE HAGUE: Dutch police have stepped up security for Prime Minister Mark Rutte over fears he may be targeted for kidnapping or an attack by drug gangs, local media reports said on Monday.

The threat against Rutte, who is known for cycling to work with little security, follows the murders of a prominent investigative reporter and a lawyer both linked to a major organised crime trial.

The 54-year-old centre-right premier has been shadowed by so-called spotters for a drug trafficking gang dubbed the "Mocro Mafia", De Telegraaf newspaper and several broadcasters reported.