A 48-year-old Argentinian national appeared before the Brussels Correctional Court on Monday after being caught attempting to smuggle drugs.
Customs officers discovered 2.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his suitcase among his clothes. The public prosecutor requested a 36-month prison sentence, while the defence hoped for some leniency.
The man had landed at Brussels Airport on 4 October, arriving from Jamaica. During a customs inspection, officers found eight plastic bags sewn into his clothing, which contained cocaine.
"The defendant confessed and said that a certain ‘Johnny’ recruited him for this transport," stated the prosecution. "He was promised €10,000 and instructed to take a train from Brussels to Maastricht. I am requesting a 36-month prison sentence.”
"My client owned a bakery in Argentina until 2015, which unfortunately went bankrupt," the defence argued.
"He retrained as a handyman but could not earn enough to support his family. A few months ago, he moved to Spain in search of work but was unsuccessful. In desperation, he agreed to this transport offer. After his prison term, he intends to return to Argentina. We request some leniency."
The verdict will be delivered on 24 February.
