Moscow-based footballer convicted of smuggling cocaine — RT World News

A Dutch court sentenced Dutch-born Spartak Moscow player Quincy Promes in absentia to six years in prison for his involvement in a scheme to smuggle more than a thousand kilograms of cocaine into his homeland.

The Amsterdam District Court found that Promis, 32, was complicit in the smuggling of 1,360kg of drugs in two separate shipments from Brazil in 2020, through the Belgian port of Antwerp to the Netherlands in 2020. Promis, who lives in Moscow, was convicted and sentenced in absentia in Dutch capital.

He is not expected to return to the Netherlands in the near future, and faces the risk of arrest if he leaves Russia due to a warrant issued by the Dutch Public Prosecution.

Prosecutors, who asked for a nine-year prison sentence, said in court that surveillance revealed in detail Promes' direct involvement in transporting cocaine, which was hidden in sea salt shipments. One of the suspects was also sentenced to six years in prison.

Promis has denied all charges against him, and his legal team told Dutch media that their client intends to appeal the ruling.

In its ruling, the Amsterdam District Court criticized Promes for his involvement in drug trafficking despite his status as a well-paid professional footballer.

“This further denies the suspect’s attempt to increase his wealth (and perhaps also his standing in certain circles) by becoming involved in international drug transfers.” The court said.

Local media reports indicate that Promes was initially identified as a suspect after the phone used in the trafficking operation was linked to the footballer using location data.

In a separate case last year, a Dutch court also sentenced the former Sevilla and Ajax player in absentia to 18 months in prison after it emerged that he had stabbed his cousin. Promise subsequently filed an appeal.

Generally considered one of the standout players in the Russian Premier League, Promes made over 200 appearances for Spartak Moscow during two spells with the Russian giants, scoring over 110 goals.

In addition to his Russian Premier League winner's medal from 2016-17, Promes was named by fans as the league's Player of the Year in the 2021-22 season. He participated in 50 international matches with the Netherlands national team.