Without inside help, smuggling drugs into the Port of Rotterdam is practically impossible. There are cameras, fences around the premises, and access controls to get in and out of the container terminals. In addition to the police and customs, security guards patrol the area. One of these guards allegedly collaborated with drug criminals. Today, 12 months of imprisonment has been demanded against him.
The suspect came to the attention of the investigative services after intercepted chat messages revealed that he was preparing for a drug pickup. He communicated via an encrypted phone about the arrival of important vessels, sent container numbers and exact locations of security cameras. He also indicated in the chats that he could adjust his schedule to match the timing of that guy who is going to drive in for us.
According to the public prosecutor, it is clear that the suspect knew what would be done with his information. He helped criminals instead of securing the port. “Because the terminology in the messages are terms that can clearly be linked to the import of cocaine. Moreover, the suspect talks about a ‘box’ that is at the terminal and that the ‘soldiers’ are already inside. He also responds to a photo of plastic-wrapped blocks in a car with the telling words Strong.
Crucial Role
According to the public prosecutor, the security guard played a crucial role in the drug smuggling. His actions and information are essential considering the vast size of the port and the tens of thousands of containers on heavily secured premises. He abused his position as a security guard. The public prosecutor stated: “And that is an aggravating factor. The suspect contributed to the maintenance of the international drug circuit. Cocaine is not only harmful to health, but is often associated with crime, including serious violent incidents. The suspect has been blind to this.”
The judge will issue a ruling in two weeks.