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Quincy Promes, a prominent soccer star known for his performances with Ajax, Sevilla, and Spartak Moscow, as well as his representation of the Netherlands in international matches, has been leading a remarkable double life. While enjoying success on the soccer field, Promes has recently been convicted of drug trafficking by an Amsterdam court, shedding light on the Netherlands’ ongoing battle against drug-related crimes.
Dutch prosecutors successfully argued that Promes played a central role in a drug trafficking operation that smuggled approximately 1,360 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil to the Netherlands through the port of Antwerp in Belgium in 2020. They expressed concern over his influence as a public figure, stating, “It is particularly bad that the suspect [Promes] normalizes and almost romanticizes the large-scale cocaine trade.” Promes was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison for his involvement in the drug trade.
Despite the conviction, Promes continues to play for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League, as he currently resides in Russia and is unlikely to serve his prison sentence in the near future. Prosecutors described Promes as a calculated manager and financier who avoided directly participating in illicit activities, instead delegating them to others.
Promes’s legal team has denied the charges and plans to appeal the sentence, emphasizing his presumed innocence until the judge’s verdict is final.
This is not the first time Promes has faced legal trouble. In a separate incident, he was convicted in absentia for stabbing his cousin in the knee, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. His contract with Spartak Moscow is set to expire in June 2024, but it remains unclear whether the club will continue to field him in matches or extend his contract.
The case of Quincy Promes has drawn attention from criminologist Hans Nelen, who finds it remarkable that someone earning millions of euros per year would involve themselves in the drug trade. Nelen notes that the public’s frustration stems from seeing Promes flaunt his lavish lifestyle on social media while facing serious legal charges.
Our team reached out to Promes for comment on his recent court case but has not received a response at the time of publication.
The Netherlands has been grappling with drug-related crime, with Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, becoming a major transit hub for cocaine. The country’s Multidisciplinary Intervention Team, now known as the National Alliance against Subversive Crime (NASC), aims to expose and dismantle the connections between the criminal underworld and mainstream society.
While drug-related crime has increased in the Netherlands, Nelen suggests that the infiltration of the legitimate economy and political system by criminals is limited compared to countries like Mexico, Colombia, or Italy. Nonetheless, the Netherlands’ strategic location and large ports make it an attractive destination for drug traffickers.
Although Promes’s case has garnered significant attention, Nelen points out that the Netherlands has seen other instances of celebrities, including martial artists and kickboxers, involved in the illegal drug trade.
David Endt, a former soccer agent and organizational figure at Dutch clubs, recalls a different side of Promes during his early soccer career. He attributes Promes’s downfall to the challenges of instant fame and the negative influence of people with ulterior motives.
Dutch soccer clubs are taking steps to educate young players about the risks associated with fame and social media. Some clubs have enlisted retired police officers and coaches to speak to talented players and warn them about potential dangers.
The youth development system in the Netherlands emphasizes the importance of responsibility and being a positive role model. However, not all players adhere to these principles.
