Dutch soldier sentenced to eight months for drug trafficking, weapons possession
A 28-year-old Dutch soldier has been sentenced to eight months in prison for drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, a military court ruled on Monday. The court determined that he had been selling various drugs while also possessing firearms and other illegal weapons.
The case began when the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee launched an investigation into a suspected drug dealer. Authorities identified the soldier after analyzing intercepted phone messages linked to drug transactions. Based on the findings, police raided his home on April 2, 2024. During the search, officers discovered a stockpile of drugs and drug-related materials, multiple firearms, a baton, a training explosive grenade, and a bag containing 4,000 euros in cash.
According to court records, the soldier admitted to starting drug use and sales in 2019. He initially dealt in 3-MMC, a then-legal designer drug, purchasing in bulk to share with friends. To cover the risks of storing the drugs, he charged them a small fee. However, on October 28, 2021, 3-MMC was criminalized, yet he continued to acquire and distribute it. What began as transactions within a small circle of about ten friends eventually expanded to a network of approximately 90 contacts. The soldier claimed he was unaware of how large his operation had grown.
Prosecutors had requested a 2.5-year prison sentence, including ten months suspended. However, the military court factored in the soldier’s dismissal from the armed forces, effective March 1, 2025, due to drug trafficking and weapons violations. The court concluded that his actions did not amount to large-scale drug trafficking and acknowledged his full cooperation during the investigation. Given these considerations, the soldier was sentenced to eight months in prison, significantly less than what prosecutors had sought.
In addition to his prison term, the soldier has been ordered to repay nearly 11,500 euros in illicit profits made through drug sales. The court determined this sum represented the financial gain he amassed from his illegal activities.
