Police have arrested nearly 300 people in a 17-day campaign in Amsterdam’s red light district following complaints about drugs dealers and begging, news agency ANP reported.

The police have come under fire for closing down their local police station and locals say there are not enough foot patrols to keep the tourists and the dealers under control.

Most of the arrests were related to drugs offences. In total 59 people were arrested trying to sell fake drugs, 40 people were dealing genuine drugs and 38 were using drugs in public.

A number of beggars and other people were arrested for causing a public nuisance, ANP said.