Wednesday, 2 December 2015 - 13:02
Fake cocaine dealer back in jail on heroin overdose deaths
Flip S., the man suspected of selling white heroin as cocaine in Amsterdam, will remain in custody until his trial starts on February 9th. He is facing three charges of murder and 12 of attempted murder.
Tourists in the Dutch capital started getting ill late last year when they used what they thought was cocaine, but actually turned out to be white heroin. Three British tourists died and dozens more had to be hospitalized.
During the pro-forma session of his case in the court in Amsterdam on Wednesday, S. repeated that he had no idea he was selling heroin, he really thought it was cocaine, AT5 reports. He also asked forgiveness, saying that the events "touched him deeply". His lawyer, Gerald Roethof, asked that his client be allowed to await his trial in freedom, but the judge decided to keep him in custody.
S. turned himself in to the police in April after he recognized himself on the video footage and photos the police spread through the media searching for him. He was initially released due to lack of evidence, but later arrested again.
The fake cocaine dealer caused quite a commotion in the Dutch capital. The municipality put up signs and distributed flyers warning tourists. White heroin is a lot stronger than cocaine and can quickly lead to an overdose, especially if the person using it does not know what it is.