Suspects deny knowledge of 400 kilograms of cocaine hidden in tree trunks
A total of eight men appeared in the district court of Rotterdam on Tuesday after almost 400 kilos of cocaine were discovered in July, hidden in tree trunks in the Maasvlakte, Rotterdam. One suspect has confessed to the crime, while the other seven claim to have had no idea what was in the tree trunks.
The drugs were found in two separate containers. They had been transported from Rotterdam to Breda by Alexander B., from Rotterdam, without knowing that the police were already aware of what was in the containers. The truck was allegedly followed by Jimmy van D., from Vlaardingen, and another Rotterdam suspect, who has been pointed out as the leader of the operation. The prosecutor stated, “Records show that he was in contact with the driver, who has given an incriminating statement naming him as the client.”
The Rotterdam man denies this, saying, “The driver’s statement is false. I never had the phone and did not give any instructions.” Other suspects reportedly met at Schiedam Station before leaving together for the warehouse in Breda.
At the warehouse, the tree trunks, which had come from Brazil, were ripped open, and the blocks of cocaine were taken out and laid in a separate area. Rijnmond reported that one of the five men handling the trunks reportedly exclaimed “jackpot” upon seeing the drugs.
Ralph van H., from Schiedam, was caught speaking outside with a Rotterdam suspect about the drugs but claimed in court that he was innocent. “I was in the warehouse to unload. Everything seemed normal until a log suddenly broke,” he said.
Another suspect, Tommy van der H., also denied knowledge of the drugs. He stated that he had been inside for only seven minutes, helping move some tree trunks during that time. His attorney said he has a gambling addiction and was in the warehouse to help settle his gambling debts.
However, Noureddine W., from Schiedam, confessed. He stated that he was told the drugs would be hashish and that he was promised 10,000 euros to complete the job.
All suspects have been allowed to await trial in freedom. The trial is expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2026, due to the high number of suspects involved.
