The Public Prosecution Service of North Holland (OM) has made plea agreements with three suspects of drug trafficking. These include a 59-year-old man from Eindhoven, a 41-year-old man from The Hague, and a 36-year-old man from Amsterdam. The OM believes it has proven that they were involved (in varying compositions) in preparing the import of cocaine via the airports of Schiphol and Lelystad, importing cocaine, possession of drugs and weapons, and involvement in explosions in Almere.
Import Plans for Cocaine via Lelystad
Based on criminal intelligence about the import of narcotics via Schiphol airport, the Royal Marechaussee initiated an investigation in 2023. Through observation teams, secretly intercepted conversations, and analyzed communication, it became clear that a group of suspects aimed to import 2,000 kilos of cocaine unnoticed with a private jet via Lelystad airport. These preparatory actions were in an advanced stage, but no actual import took place.
Explosion After Disagreement
Due to various circumstances, the group was unable to import the large shipment. This led to disagreements among the members of the criminal organization over paid investments. Three men refused to return the money to the investors. Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the car and home of one of them. The OM believes it has proven that the 59-year-old and 41-year-old men were complicit in the arson and caused an explosion at the home of one of their criminal partners in Almere. They allegedly shared information with the instigators of the explosion.
Criminal Offenses
All three suspects have contributed to preparatory actions for the import of cocaine via Lelystad airport, according to the OM. Additionally, the 59-year-old and 41-year-old men are complicit in the arson and explosion in Almere. The 59-year-old and 36-year-old men actually imported 42 kilos of cocaine via Schiphol airport. Furthermore, the OM believes it has proven that the 41-year-old and 36-year-old men used corrupt contacts at the airport to organize the import and extraction of cocaine shipments. Their actions severely compromised the integrity of the airports. The 36-year-old man is finally accused of illegal possession of weapons and drugs.
Plea Agreements
For several years now, plea agreements have been made in some criminal cases between the OM and the defense, where the OM and the defense agree on matters such as the penalty demand and the manner of proceeding. These so-called plea agreements can ensure that the duration of a criminal case is shortened in the interest of all parties involved.
Penalty Demand
In these cases, the OM and the defense have agreed on the penalty demand of the OM. With the 59-year-old man from Eindhoven, it has been agreed that the OM will demand 5 years and 9 months of imprisonment plus a fine of €40,000. The 41-year-old suspect from The Hague agreed to a prison sentence of 5 years and 2 months and forfeiture of illegally obtained benefits of €40,000. The 36-year-old man from Amsterdam accepted the demand of 6 years and 8 months. The OM also agreed with him on the forfeiture of illegally obtained benefits amounting to €250,750. The court ruled in all cases in accordance with the OMs demand.
Case Progression
This investigation involves a total of eight suspects. One of them passed away in February 2024. Today, plea agreements have been made with three. The case of a fourth suspect that was to be heard today has been postponed indefinitely; the OM is also making plea agreements with that suspect. The remaining suspects will have to account for themselves in court in the course of 2026.
Further Investigation into Schiphol Employees
Research into seized phones has also led to new suspicions against four individuals working at Schiphol. They are suspected of involvement in the (preparation of) the import of cocaine at Schiphol. These suspects were not present in court today.
Joint Approach
In the Program Approach Undermining Schiphol, public-private collaboration is addressing undermining at Schiphol by the Tax and Customs Administration, FIOD, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the Royal Marechaussee, the Public Prosecution Service, Police, RIEC North Holland, KLM, and Schiphol Group. See also: https://www.sterkeluchthaven.nl/ and https://vimeo.com/417144952.