WILLEMSTAD – A 32-year-old woman of Dominican nationality has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service and a 12-month suspended prison sentence for her role in attempting to ship more than three kilograms of cocaine to the Netherlands.
The woman was arrested at the end of 2023 after authorities discovered cocaine concealed inside porcelain tables that were being sent through the mail. Investigators found more than three kilograms of the drug hidden in the furniture.
During court proceedings, the defendant maintained that she was unaware the shipment contained narcotics. She told the court that she believed she was simply doing a favor for her then-Colombian partner, who had allegedly informed her that he had started a business selling tables and needed assistance shipping the items abroad.
According to her statement, her former partner paid the shipping costs and the packages had already been sealed when she received them, so she did not inspect their contents. The former partner has denied any involvement in the case.
The Public Prosecution Service argued that the woman had a responsibility to verify what she was sending, particularly when mailing packages internationally. Prosecutors nevertheless took into account her full cooperation with the criminal investigation.
The court ultimately adopted the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation in full. While the woman avoided returning to prison, the judge emphasized that the sentence should serve as a serious lesson regarding the risks and responsibilities associated with handling shipments for others.
The 12-month prison sentence will only be enforced if she commits another offense during the probation period. In addition to the suspended sentence, she must complete 200 hours of community service.
The case highlights the continued efforts of authorities to combat drug trafficking through international postal and cargo channels, a method frequently used by criminal organizations attempting to move narcotics abroad.