British Officer Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct After Cannabis-Induced Hallucination in Netherlands

PC Jack Waeghemacker, a British police officer with Hampshire Constabulary, has been found guilty of gross misconduct following an incident in the Netherlands triggered by cannabis use. In April 2025, while traveling to France to handle his deceased parents' estate, Waeghemacker diverted to Tilburg to purchase and consume cannabis at a local coffee shop. The drug induced a severe hallucination wherein he believed his ex-wife was attempting to kill him. Consequently, he contacted a colleague expressing suicidal thoughts, which initiated a major international police response involving Dutch authorities, the French Embassy, and Interpol. During the misconduct hearing, the panel acknowledged significant personal mitigation, including recent bereavement and divorce, noting his genuine remorse. However, Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson ruled that intentionally traveling abroad to consume an illegal Class B drug constituted discreditable conduct that undermined public confidence in the police service. Waeghemacker received a final written warning valid for five years. The case highlights the strict standards expected of UK police officers regarding illegal substance use, even when occurring in jurisdictions with different regulatory frameworks.