Renowned former Ajax and Netherlands forward Quincy Promes is set to stand trial on charges of cocaine smuggling.
Former Ajax star accused of smuggling 1370kg of cocaine
The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed that Promes stands accused of illegally importing 1370kg of cocaine, which was intercepted in two separate batches in Antwerp back in 2020.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands on Monday, 5 June 2023, as reported by NOS.
In addition to the drug smuggling allegations, Promes is also facing a charge of aggravated assault.
Recently, new evidence emerged in relation to a stabbing incident, where the 31-year-old allegedly stabbed his cousin in the knee during a family gathering.
While Promes previously denied the allegations, a confession to the stabbing was reportedly captured on a police wiretap. The final proceedings for this case are expected to take place next Monday.
Earlier, Dutch prosecutors had called for Promes to be sentenced to imprisonment for his involvement in the stabbing incident, as reported by France24.
In a statement, the prosecutors asserted, “The public prosecution service has requested a two-year sentence for a man suspected of stabbing his cousin in the knee.”
Who is Quincy Promes? – Here’s everything we know
Quincy Anton Promes, a talented Dutch professional footballer known for his prowess as a forward or attacking midfielder, has had a remarkable career marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Currently plying his trade with Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow, Promes has also represented the Netherlands national team at the international level.
However, his journey has been marred by legal complications, including charges of attempted murder and drug smuggling, which have affected his career trajectory.
Promes kick-started his professional career in 2011 with Twente, where he honed his skills over three seasons before seizing an opportunity to join Russian giants Spartak Moscow in the summer of 2014.
This move opened the doors to greater recognition for Promes, as he earned his first senior cap for the Netherlands in March 2014, albeit in a 2-0 friendly defeat against France. In 2017, he tasted his first major success, helping Spartak Moscow clinch the Russian Premier League title.
Promes’ outstanding performances on the pitch earned him the prestigious title of Footballer of the Year in Russia in 2017. Moreover, he emerged as the top scorer in the 2017-18 season of the Russian Premier League, further solidifying his reputation as a goal-scoring threat.
During his four-year tenure with Spartak Moscow, Promes made 135 appearances and found the back of the net 66 times.
In 2018, Promes made a high-profile move to Spanish club Sevilla, with a reported transfer fee of €20 million. Unfortunately, he encountered challenges in finding his form during his stint with Sevilla.
However, Promes’s resilience and determination led him back to his homeland in the summer of 2019 when he joined his boyhood club, Ajax.
This return to familiar surroundings reignited his spark, and he quickly reestablished himself as a key player for Ajax, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Promes’s skill and talent were recognized once again as he represented the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2020, showcasing his abilities on the international stage.
However, amidst legal complications unrelated to football, Promes made a challenging decision to return to Spartak Moscow in 2021, necessitating a pause in his international career.
While Promes’s footballing journey has been illustrious, it has not been without its setbacks.
The ongoing legal issues, including charges of attempted murder and drug smuggling, have cast a shadow over his achievements and present a significant challenge for his future endeavours both on and off the field.