Dutch authorities are prosecuting former Ajax star and Netherlands international, Quincy Promes, for his alleged involvement in smuggling 1,370 kilograms of cocaine into Europe.
Promes, who spent two years with Ajax, scoring 22 goals in 53 appearances, left for Spartak Moscow in February 2021 but now faces legal trouble in the Netherlands.
According to the country’s Public Prosecution Service, Promes is accused of attempting to smuggle two batches of approximately 650 kilograms and 713 kilograms of cocaine, which were intercepted in the port of Antwerp in January 2020. The cocaine shipment was estimated to have a street value of about £65 million.
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A pre-trial hearing is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands, with the possibility of handling the case through an authorized lawyer if Promes does not return to face the charges.
In addition to the smuggling allegations, Promes is also facing prosecution for allegedly stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family event. While he previously denied the accusations, an alleged confession was reportedly captured on a police wiretap.
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Dutch prosecutors have sought a two-year prison sentence for Promes related to the stabbing incident, and the trial began on Friday. Promes has pleaded not guilty and did not attend the opening of the trial, as he is fulfilling his contract obligations in Russia. The charge of attempted murder also was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
“The public prosecution service has demanded two years against a man who is suspected of stabbing his cousin in the knee. Based on the police investigation, the prosecution suspects the man of aggravated assault,” prosecutors said.
“It may have to do with the theft of jewellery from an aunt, the suspect accused the victim of having something to do with it.”
Promes’ lawyer Robert Malevicz has declined to comment substantively, instead saying: “I will do that during the session next Monday.” The phone tap which has led to the trial was in place due to an investigation into an ongoing drug-smuggling case.
He was part of the Dutch squad which was knocked out in the last 16 of Euro 2020, but has not featured for the Oranje since.
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