Seven Sentenced for Cocaine Smuggling Plot in Netherlands

In the Netherlands, seven individuals have been sentenced for their roles in attempting to retrieve approximately 250 kilograms of cocaine from the ship Gina Oldendorff in late January. The penalties ranged from 240 hours of community service to 30 months in prison.

Although no drugs were found aboard the vessel, which was transporting coal at the time, the court determined there was sufficient evidence to prove the group’s intention to remove narcotics from the vessel.

The harshest sentence, 30 months, was given to a man from Rotterdam who was identified as the operation's leader. He was responsible for organizing the scheme and recruiting the other participants. Two minors connected to the case will face trial in juvenile court on January 10 for their involvement.

All nine individuals have been barred from contacting one another or entering the ports of Vlissingen and Rotterdam for three years. Any violation of these restrictions could lead to additional prison terms ranging from two weeks to six months.