The Dutch military police and customs officers plan to take stronger action this summer against holidaymakers who return with fake weapons.

Folders are being distributed at Schiphol and Rotterdam airports warning travellers that the authorities will take action against anyone found carrying an imitation weapon. The fine may be anything up to 270 euros.

The Dutch authorities are aware that in countries such as Spain and Turkey, the weapons laws are much less strong. Imitation weapons are legal and easy to purchase in those countries. They are often used by criminals as they are hard to distinguish from the real thing.