The substantive handling of the case against a 43-year-old Emmenaar, who, according to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), is in a major drug case, was postponed this morning. Last night the suspect was one of the involved in the serious accident on the Statenweg in Emmen.
The Emmenaar was taken to the hospital after the accident. According to his lawyer, he is now back at home, but it is not physically possible to take the corridor to the court in Assen, the counsel said. The judge has decided to postpone the case for an indefinite period of time, because this is force majeure.
The suspect was arrested in May 2023 on suspicion of importing large quantities of drugs from South America. It concerned almost 1500 kilos of cocaine with a street value of 77 million.
Three loads of drugs were intercepted from 2019 to 2021. By cracking encrypted chat messages it became clear to the judiciary who was behind this.
According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), two accounts could be linked to the Emmenaar. In those reports, there was communication with countless photos about loads of coke in banana boxes and avocados. In the messages, the Emmenaar would have been involved about the method of transport and finances.
The man was arrested in Emmen on 8 May 2023. He had a car worth 160,000 euros to his name and for more than 100,000 euros in luxury items in his home. The investigation service also found 30,000 euros in cash at the man. In addition to importing, he is also suspected of forbidden possession of weapons.
The Emmenaar has been silent so far. He was released on conditions at the end of 2023. A 27-year-old fellow suspect must appear in the court in Assen on Tuesday morning. The judge will decide whether that case can continue that morning.