n Friday, a 38-year-old woman, J.S., and a 36-year-old man, M.T., were sentenced for assisting in sending packages filled with mangoes and party supplies that were secretly stuffed with cocaine. They carried out these shipments for a man from Curaçao, identified as M., who sent the packages from Aruba to different countries including the United States, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and even Australia.
According to the charges presented by the Prosecutor, between April 20 and May 5, 2025, J.S. mailed multiple packages, while M.T. sent two packages on May 5, 2025. The case began when Customs intercepted one suspicious shipment.
During the hearing, the judge questioned J.S., who claimed she mailed the packages but did not know they contained drugs. She said she did it for M., a known acquaintance who traveled from Curaçao to Aruba with the prepared packages. M. allegedly paid her 1,000 florins for mailing costs and promised her additional money due to her financial struggles. The judge found it unusual that packages of mangoes and party goods were being sent to countries where such items are easily available, calling the explanation illogical.
The investigation also revealed that the mangoes contained cocaine gel, and cocaine was also found inside the party items. J.S. admitted receiving some payments from M. but insisted she never suspected drugs were involved.
Police findings showed that J.S. asked M.T. to help her mail two packages from the San Nicolas post office. M.T. testified that he asked J.S. whether the packages were safe, and she assured him there were no drugs. The judge highlighted that M.T. had previously been involved in drug-related issues in the Netherlands and should have been cautious.
J.S. is currently free while being supervised by Reclassering due to personal circumstances, including caring for her two children after her mother’s passing. She also holds a job to repay her debts.
Findings of the Investigation
- On April 30, 2025, Customs intercepted a package from DHL containing mangoes and party goods weighing 2,248 grams, with 702 grams confirmed as cocaine.
- On May 5, 2025, two more packages destined for the U.S. and the Netherlands were stopped at the San Nicolas post office, containing 267 grams of cocaine.
The Prosecutor argued that both J.S. and M.T. were clearly aware they were transporting drugs, demanding prison sentences for both.
Defense Arguments
J.S.’s attorney argued that she was unaware of the cocaine and was simply helping M., who himself prepared the packages. The lawyer emphasized her difficult social situation and requested a combined or conditional sentence.
M.T.’s lawyer stated that his client acted only as a favor to J.S. and did not know he was being used in a drug operation.
Sentencing
After reviewing the case, the judge found both defendants guilty of exporting cocaine.
- M.T. was sentenced to 450 days in prison, of which 258 days are conditional, plus 3 years of probation under Reclassering. He was released immediately due to time already served.
- J.S. received 300 days in prison, with 222 days conditional, 3 years of probation, and 240 hours of community service. If she fails to complete the service, she must serve 120 days in prison. She will not return to KIA.
J.S. cried with relief upon hearing the decision, while M.T. thanked God as he left the courtroom a free man.
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