Quincy Promes' Dubai arrest linked to international drug trafficking operation

Report European Soccer Star Arrested in Dubai for Drug Smuggling – Quincy Promes, a former international footballer and current forward for Spartak Moscow, has been embroiled in a significant legal scandal involving allegations of drug trafficking and assault. The Dutch prosecutors have initiated proceedings against Promes for his suspected involvement in smuggling 1,360 kilograms of cocaine to the Netherlands or Belgium in two shipments in 2020. This case has garnered international attention, not only due to Promes’ high-profile status as a professional footballer but also because of the scale of the alleged drug trafficking operation.

Former Ajax Star Quincy Promes Arrested In Dubai Following Cocaine ...
Former Ajax Star Quincy Promes Arrested In Dubai Following Cocaine … (Image: CNN)

Promes, who has previously played for Ajax and Sevilla, has been arrested in Dubai, where his team was participating in friendlies and a training camp. This arrest came after he was involved in a road accident in Dubai and attempted to flee the scene. He was subsequently apprehended at the airport as he was preparing to leave with his teammates. The Dutch court has already convicted Promes in absentia for drug smuggling, sentencing him to six years in prison. The court’s decision was based on evidence that he was involved in the smuggling of approximately 1,350 kilograms of cocaine via the Belgian port of Antwerp in January 2020.

In addition to the drug trafficking charges, Promes is also facing assault charges in the Netherlands. He was arrested in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred in July 2020 in the Dutch town of Abcoude. The alleged victim was Promes’ cousin, and the incident took place during a family party. Promes has denied any involvement in this assault.

The case against Promes is part of a larger international operation that targeted a significant drug trafficking network. Europol reported that Dubai police arrested two “high-value” suspects linked to the Netherlands, among others, as part of a massive operation that dismantled a “super-cartel” controlling a third of Europe’s cocaine trade. This operation led to the arrest of 49 people across various countries, including six chief suspects in Dubai, and the seizure of 30 tonnes of drugs.

The arrest and prosecution of Promes highlight the global reach of drug trafficking networks and the increasing international cooperation to combat these crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences faced by individuals involved in such illegal activities, regardless of their status or profession.

What is the penal code for drug trafficking in the Netherlands?

The penal code for drug trafficking in the Netherlands is primarily governed by the Opium Act, which serves as the foundation for the country’s drug legislation. This act defines drug trafficking, cultivation, production, and dealing in and possession of drugs as criminal offenses. The Opium Act distinguishes between Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, MDMA/ecstasy, and amphetamines, and Schedule II drugs, including cannabis and hallucinogenic mushrooms. The Act and its amendments have been implemented through the national Opium Act Directive, which is periodically revised to align with changing circumstances and legal considerations. For instance, since 2018, prosecutors have been encouraged to consider replacing community service and prison sentences with fines for certain offenses.

Drug use itself is not explicitly criminalized under Dutch law, although there are local regulations that may prohibit drug use in certain public places, such as schools and public transport, to maintain public order or protect the health of young people. The possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use is considered a criminal offense, with the threshold amount for cannabis set at 5 grams. However, in practice, individuals found in possession of such small amounts are generally not prosecuted, and the police typically confiscate the drugs without further action. The Opium Act Directive has also allowed for the possibility of arresting and prosecuting individuals found in possession of less than 5 grams of cannabis under specific circumstances.

How the Netherlands Became a Global Cocaine Hub | The Nation

The Opium Act stipulates that supplying drugs, including possession, cultivation, manufacture, import, or export, is a crime punishable by up to 12 years’ imprisonment, depending on the quantity and type of the drug involved. However, the Act also recognizes the existence of ‘coffee shops’ in the Netherlands, which are legal cannabis sales and consumption outlets. These outlets are tolerated by local authorities under strict conditions, and as of March 2017, there were 567 such establishments operating in the country.

Since 2004, the Placement in an Institution for Prolific Offenders Law has enabled the treatment of persistent offenders, including a significant proportion of problem drug users. This law combines imprisonment with behavioral interventions and treatment, primarily conducted in care institutions outside of traditional prisons. This approach aims to address the root causes of drug use and crime, rather than focusing solely on punishment.

In summary, the Netherlands’ drug policy is characterized by a nuanced approach that distinguishes between the criminalization of drug trafficking and the regulation of drug use and possession. The Opium Act and its amendments, along with the Opium Act Directive, provide the legal framework for these policies, while also recognizing the potential for alternative sentencing and treatment options for certain offenders.

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