WILLEMSTAD – A 20-year-old woman has been acquitted of charges related to the importation of 9,640 grams of hashish from the Netherlands to Curaçao. The court ruled that the mix-up occurred due to a mistake by airline Corendon, which placed incorrect baggage labels on the suitcases.
While two fellow travelers were convicted, the court determined that the woman bore no culpability.
A Family-Arranged Trip Gone Wrong
The trip to Curaçao was organized by a family member. During check-in at Schiphol Airport, the woman’s name was mistakenly placed on luggage belonging to one of the other travelers. Upon arrival in Curaçao, the drugs were discovered in those suitcases. One of the travelers immediately claimed ownership of the contents, but despite this, the woman was detained for over a month under suspicion of complicity.
Court Criticizes Investigation
The woman’s lawyer emphasized her full cooperation with authorities and her consistent denial of involvement. The court concluded that no evidence supported her participation in the smuggling attempt. It also criticized the investigative approach, describing the police’s interpretation as “suggestive.” Corendon’s labeling error was deemed pivotal to the case and her eventual exoneration.
Focus on the Future
The young woman, who recently graduated with her VWO diploma, expressed her desire to move past the ordeal and focus on her studies and future. Her lawyer highlighted her lack of a criminal record and her determination to protect her reputation.
This case underscores the importance of thorough investigations and accountability, particularly in incidents involving procedural errors that can lead to wrongful accusations.
