Quincy Promes, once a rising star in Dutch football, is now facing a potential nine-year prison sentence.
The former Ajax and national team player is accused of being involved in importing 1,362 kilograms of cocaine through the port of Antwerp, Belgium. The street value of the drugs is estimated at 76 million euros.
The Dutch State Prosecution has proposed this sentence, alleging Promes was a key figure in the drug import operation. Currently playing for Spartak Moscow, Promes was not present in the courtroom during the announcement of the proposed sentence, as he enjoys popularity in Russia, where his image is protected by the local media.
Promes' legal troubles began when he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stabbing his cousin in the knee. This incident came to light during a 2018 investigation into his alleged involvement in cocaine trafficking. Intercepted phone calls revealed a conversation where Promes asked, "Which part of the body did I hit him?" and upon learning it was the knee, he responded, "I wasn't aiming for the knee, I was aiming for his neck. Next time he'll get a bullet."
Initially charged with attempted murder, Promes' lawyer managed to dismiss the recorded conversations as invalid evidence, leading to a reduced sentence for grievous bodily harm.
The investigation into the drug importation linked Promes with known Dutch smugglers. He is accused of importing two cocaine containers, one of 650 kilograms (never found) and another of 712 kilograms (seized by Belgian police). Intercepted calls and messages show Promes discussing stuck shipments, profits, trips to Antwerp, and urging more work. Photos also show him overseeing the transfer of containers.
Despite being one of Europe's safest cities, Amsterdam's geographical location, proximity to major ports, a large airport, and a tolerant attitude towards certain drugs make it a prime spot for criminal meetings. Promes first caught police attention when he allegedly invested $200,000 with known smuggler Piet Wortel. Prosecutors claim Wortel paid Promes a significant sum for a drug shipment stolen by a rival gang.
Wortel is the main suspect in the murder of Kelvin Maynard, a former footballer for Volendam, Emmen, Royal Antwerp, and Burton Albion, who was shot multiple times in Amsterdam. The murder is believed to be a revenge act for stealing a 400-kilogram cocaine shipment.
In Russia, Promes has found refuge and success, becoming the best foreign scorer in the history of the Russian league and a sort of legend. He plans to launch a fashion brand, has recorded a song, and enjoys a lavish lifestyle with properties in Moscow. Despite the potential prison sentence in the Netherlands, Promes seems unaffected, living comfortably in Russia with the support of the club and media.