Criminal lawyer drug smuggling
Drug smuggling is the bringing of soft or hard drugs into or out of the territory of the Netherlands. This comes in many shapes and sizes: one person may be stopped at the border on their way to a vacation destination with friends; another is suspected of involvement in an international organization. In these situations - and everything in between - you have an interest in good legal assistance. Knowledge of the Opium Act is important here.
Are you looking for a criminal lawyer for importation and exportation of drugs? At Van Meekren Advocatuur, your case is in good hands.
Legal aid drug smuggling
If you are suspected of drug trafficking, you may face arrests, searches, seizures, restrictions and pretrial detention. The impact is often significant - not only because of the threat of imprisonment, but also because the prosecution often seeks to recover the alleged "illegally obtained benefit" from you. This can amount to significant sums.
Narcotics import or export cases are usually rigorously prosecuted and are often complex. They frequently involve multiple suspects, wiretaps, surveillance or international cooperation between investigative agencies.
I am suspected of drug smuggling
Among other things, we can do the following for you:
assistance during police interrogations and during the restrictions phase;
assessment of the legality of investigative methods, such as taps or observations;
Filing of requests to lift pretrial detention;
defend against the level of charges or involvement within the group;
Preparing and conducting defense hearings or appeals.
In such cases, the earlier we are engaged, the greater the influence we can exert on the course of the criminal proceedings. We think strategically with you and ensure that your interests are well defended from the very first moment.
Frequently asked questions about drug smuggling
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The ban on the import and export of hard and soft drugs is contained in Articles 2 and 3 under A of the Opium Act. These provisions read as follows:
"Article 2(A)
It shall be prohibited to use a drug as referred to in List I attached to this Act or designated pursuant to Section 3a(5)
A. within or outside the territory of the Netherlands;
(...)
Article 3(A)
It is prohibited to use a drug referred to in List II attached to this Act or designated pursuant to Section 3a(5):
A. within or outside the territory of the Netherlands;
(...)"
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The maximum penalty for intentionally importing or exporting a large quantity of soft drugs is six years, but there is no minimum sentence. In each individual case, the judge must decide what punishment is appropriate and necessary if he reaches a conviction.
The jurisprudence has no landmarks for the import and export of soft drugs. The Public Prosecutor's Office does have a sentencing guideline for this.
For committing or co-perpetrating importation or exportation of drugs (except qat and magic mushrooms) for quantities up to 100kg by a first offender applies:
0-5 grams (small quantity for personal use): distance + OAV
5-100 grams: 350 euros fine
100-500 grams: 70-90 hours of community service
500-2500 grams: 2-4 months imprisonment
2500-5000 grams: 5-7 months imprisonment
5-10 kg: 7-9 months' imprisonment
10-25 kg: 9-12 months' imprisonment
25-50 kg: 12-14 months' imprisonment
50-100 kg: 14-16 months imprisonment
> 100 kg: customization
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The maximum penalty for intentional importation or exportation of hard drugs is 12 years in prison but there is no minimum penalty. However, the courts do use guideline sentences for importing and exporting hard drugs.
These are as follows:
For the import and export of hard drugs, the court uses the following landmarks:
10 grams: 3 weeks imprisonment
50 grams: 5 weeks imprisonment
100 grams: 7 weeks imprisonment
150 grams: 10 weeks imprisonment
200 grams: 12 weeks imprisonment
200-500 grams: 3-6 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 6-7 1/3rd months imprisonment
500-1,000 grams: 6-8 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 8-12 months imprisonment
1,000-1,500 grams: 8-12 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 12-24 months imprisonment
1,500-2,000 grams: 12-24 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 24-30 months imprisonment
2,000-3,000 grams: 24-30 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 30-36 months imprisonment
3,000-4,000 grams: 30-36 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 36-42 months imprisonment
4,000-5,000 grams: 36-38 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 42-45 months imprisonment
5,000-6,000 grams: 38-40 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 45-48 months imprisonment
6,000-7,000 grams: 40-42 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 48-51 months imprisonment
7,000-8,000 grams: 42-44 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 51-54 months imprisonment
8,000-9,000 grams: 44-46 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 54-57 months imprisonment
9,000-10,000 grams: 46-48 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 57-60 months imprisonment
10,000-20,000 grams: 48-60 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization 60-72 months imprisonment
> 20,000 grams: > 60 months imprisonment (standard) or in organization > 72 months imprisonment
1 pill or 5 ml are equivalent to 0.5 grams of powder in these landmarks.
The above are only basic principles. In each individual case, the judge must decide what punishment is appropriate and necessary if he reaches a conviction. The judge may deviate from the guiding principles in doing so. A specialized lawyer can help you with this.
What do our clients say?
"Bram has been professional, enthusiastic to help, committed and transparent. Recommended!"
Client, July 2024
"Bram Horenblas is a top lawyer ! He listens incredibly well and explains everything well and clearly to you. Mr. Horenblas is very friendly and sensible/intelligent lawyer who prepares himself incredibly well. Mr. Horenblas really went through fire for me and wanted to win this case at any cost. He is very dedicated, knowledgeable and quick. He sorts everything out to perfection and is very precise when defending me as a client."
Client, May 2024
"Top lawyer! Mr. Horenblas truly goes through fire for his clients. Dedicated, knowledgeable and quick. He sorts everything out to perfection."
Client, April 2024
Direct contact
Looking for a lawyer drug smuggling? Feel free to contact us via the contact form. We generally respond within one business day.
