Former Netherlands international, Quincy Promes, is currently facing prosecution by the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (NPPS) for his alleged involvement in importing a substantial amount of cocaine into Belgium. The accusations against Promes claim that he was connected to the importation of two shipments of cocaine, totaling 1300kg, to a port in Antwerp in 2020. The police reportedly obtained evidence by tapping his phone and listening to his conversations. The intercepted drug, with a street value of £65 million, was seized in Antwerp three years ago. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled to take place on June 5.
In addition to the drug smuggling case, Promes is already being prosecuted for allegedly stabbing his cousin in the knee during a family event. Although the Spartak Moscow footballer previously denied the allegations, he was allegedly heard confessing to the stabbing in a police wiretap. Dutch prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence for Promes in relation to this incident. The trial began on Friday and relates to an alleged incident at a birthday party in Abacoude in 2020. Promes has pleaded not guilty and did not attend the trial's opening as he is currently fulfilling his contract in Russia. Prosecutors dropped a charge of attempted murder due to insufficient evidence.
Promes, currently in his second spell in Russia, is not subject to extradition to Holland due to the absence of an extradition agreement between the two countries. His lawyer, Robert Malewicz, declined to comment on the new allegations but stated that he would provide further explanation during Monday's hearing.
Throughout his career, Promes has played for prominent European clubs such as Ajax, Sevilla, and FC Twente. At one point, he was linked with a potential move to Manchester United when Louis van Gaal was in charge of the Red Devils. United had approached Twente to sign Promes after he received his first international call-up under Van Gaal. However, Promes chose to join Spartak Moscow in a £9.5 million transfer instead, citing his belief that he was not ready for a move to the Premier League at the age of 23.
Promes has earned 50 international caps for the Netherlands but has not been called up since the team's elimination in the last 16 of Euro 2020.
