PHILIPSBURG--Two Surinamese nationals, who were both held while trying to smuggle cocaine into St. Maarten, were sentenced Wednesday to twelve months, six of which were suspended, on three years’ probation. The drugs were confiscated.
M. G.S. M. (36) was arrested at Princess Juliana International Airport as she was found in the possession of 925 grams of cocaine October 31, 2015. The woman confessed and said she had ingested a number of pellets and had also inserted some inside her vagina.
She said she had acted out of despair due to her bad financial situation, and said she had also been pressured and threatened to comply.
Prosecutor Nanouk Lemmers recommended the Court to sentence the defendant to 18 months, nine of which were to be suspended, on three years’ probation.
The case against E. W. N. (42) had many similarities. He was held November 1, 2015, upon his arrival at the airport from Curaçao. He had 960 grams in his possession. He confessed to the police and was sentenced on the same terms as M.
Both defendants were held in custody for 10 days after which they were released on instruction of the Investigating Judge. They were not present during their trials as they were sent home. M. is in Suriname. N. travelled to the Netherlands to look after his parents and daughter, his lawyer informed the Court.
