WILLEMSTAD – Well-known Curaçao-born baseball player Jonathan Schoop remains in custody as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal firearm possession on the island.
Schoop is one of five suspects who are still being held in connection with the case. Four other individuals who were initially detained have since been released due to insufficient evidence.
The investigation began at the end of January following a police operation along the Rooseveltweg. During vehicle inspections, officers discovered two firearms inside SUVs. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of two additional weapons at a residence on Mexicoweg, bringing the total number of firearms seized in the case to four.
Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the specific charges or the role of each suspect as the investigation continues.
Schoop’s continued detention means he will not be part of the Kingdom team scheduled to compete next month in Miami at the World Baseball Classic (WBC). His absence was confirmed Friday morning when Major League Baseball released the official team roster.
Schoop, who has built an international career in Major League Baseball and is one of Curaçao’s most prominent athletes, now faces legal uncertainty as the investigation moves forward. The case has drawn significant public attention both locally and internationally.