QUINCY PROMES has been jailed for six years – but is avoiding prison by staying in Russia.
The Dutch footballer, 32, was sentenced for helping smuggle 1,363kg of cocaine.
The court heard Promes had a “guiding and facilitating role” in the illegal activity.
The drugs were intercepted after being imported into Antwerp before traced messages implicated Promes.
It is understood the cocaine arrived disguised in a sea salt shipment from Brazil.
The two batches of 650kg and 713kg arrived on Dutch shores in January 2020.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The Public Prosecution Service also found another 32-year-old suspect guilty of importing, exporting, transporting and possessing the drugs.
Promes, a one-time Arsenal transfer target, currently plays for Spartak Moscow and prosecutors claimed he thinks he is “untouchable” in Russia as he refused to return to Holland for the trial.
There is no extradition treaty between the two countries so the former Ajax winger did not show up and made no statement in response to the charges made against him.
Prosecutors, who also wanted to know “how such a successful footballer allowed himself to be drawn so deeply into crime”, initially wanted a nine-year sentence.
Most read in Football
They alleged that Promes “normalises and almost romanticises the cocaine trade”.
The court also heard that there was extra focus placed on Promes because of his public image as a role model.
Last year, Promes was sentenced to 18 months behind bars for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.
Quincy Promes’ football career
CLUBS
- FC Twente 2011-14 – 35 games (11 goals)
- Go Ahead Eagles 2012-13 (loan) – 41 (17)
- Spartak Moscow 2014-18 – 135 (66)
- Sevilla 2018-19 – 49 (3)
- Ajax 2019-21 – 53 (22)
- Spartak Moscow 2021-present – 99 (46)
INTERNATIONAL
- Netherlands U19 2011 – 5 (0)
- Netherlands U20 2012-13 – 4 (1)
- Netherlands U21 2013-14 – 10 (7)
- Netherlands 2014-21 – 50 (7)
TROPHIES
- Russian Premier League 2016–17
- Russian Cup 2021–22
- Russian Super Cup 2017
- Johan Cruyff Shield 2019
- Russian Premier League Golden Boot 2017-18
The footballer, who spent a season with Sevilla and has 50 Holland caps, has appealed the sentencing but was ordered to pay compensation to his relative.
Promes, though, has continued playing football with Spartak – racking up eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances before the winter break.
Away from football, Promes is a wannabe rapper and even freestyled with compatriot and close pal Memphis Depay.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
