Molenbeek: up to two years' imprisonment sought for cocaine network
Belgian justice authorities have sought sentences of between 16 and 24 months against two defendants involved in the sale of narcotics in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
Molenbeek: up to two years' imprisonment sought for cocaine network
On 15 January, police officers on patrol observed an individual, initials Y., in the company of several drug users already on file. These individuals came to see him one after another. The suspect asked them to wait on a bench, then directed them towards a neighbouring building.
Inside this flat, two accomplices welcomed the clients. They collected payment and distributed cocaine, according to evidence presented by the prosecution. When officers entered, all those present scattered. Two of them failed to escape the forces of order: Y. and a co-defendant named M.
During proceedings, the public prosecutor's representative sought a conviction of sixteen months for Y. and twenty-four months for M. The latter, who had previously been sanctioned for burglaries, admitted to selling drugs. His counsel attempted to mitigate his responsibility by arguing that he was merely a low-level operative, himself addicted to narcotics. She suggested a custodial sentence with probation, mentioning the possibility of monitoring by the prison supervision court.
For Y., defence lawyers sought acquittal. They contested his actual role in the matter, arguing that he had merely informed buyers of the location of the transaction. They also indicated that he could return to Portugal, the country where he is legally established, if he were released.
The court will rule on 15 July next.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)