IslandsDaily
Accused Claims He Unknowingly Carried Cousin's Drug-Filled SuitcasePhoto: Extra Curaçao
Crime & SafetyCuraçao

Accused Claims He Unknowingly Carried Cousin's Drug-Filled Suitcase

Source: Extra Curaçao·1 hour ago·Curaçao·1 min read

A Curaçao court of first instance has convicted defendant R.S., 31, after rejecting his claim that he unknowingly transported a suitcase left behind by his cousin that contained drugs. The court found his story implausible and determined it did not hold up to logical scrutiny. The verdict was handed down in absentia, meaning R.S. was not present during the sentencing proceedings. The case was heard as part of a drug-related criminal matter in Willemstad, Curaçao. The court's dismissal of the defense underscores the difficulty of using ignorance as a legal defense in drug trafficking cases when the circumstances do not support the claim.

Key Facts
  • Defendant R.S., age 31, was convicted by a Curaçao court of first instance in absentia.
  • R.S. claimed he did not know the suitcase, allegedly left by his cousin, contained drugs.
  • The court rejected the defense, finding the story illogical and not credible.
Enjoyed this story? Get the daily digest free.
Read original articleSummary translated automatically · Source: Extra Curaçao

You are leaving IslandsDaily. The article will open on the publisher's site in its original language — your browser may offer to translate it.

More from Crime · Curaçao

Traveler Arrested Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into Curaçao
Crime

Traveler Arrested Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into Curaçao

Curaçao police arrested a traveler on Monday this week after the individual attempted to enter the island carrying illegal drugs. According to the official police report, the person was found in possession of hashish at the point of entry. The arrest was made as part of routine border control and screening procedures. Authorities did not immediately release the identity or nationality of the detained individual. The incident underscores ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to intercept drug smuggling at Curaçao's borders. No additional suspects were mentioned in connection with the case.

Key Facts
  • A traveler was arrested on Monday attempting to enter Curaçao with hashish.
  • Curaçao police confirmed the arrest in an official report.
  • The suspect's identity and nationality were not publicly disclosed.
Source: Extra Curaçao·8 minutes ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Extra Curaçao
Harvard Reaches Multi-Million Dollar Settlement in Body Parts Trafficking Case
Crime

Harvard Reaches Multi-Million Dollar Settlement in Body Parts Trafficking Case

Harvard University has agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement in a lawsuit involving the illegal sale of human body parts from its medical program. Families of the deceased had donated their loved ones' bodies to Harvard for medical research and education, trusting the institution to handle the remains respectfully. Instead, body parts were allegedly sold on the black market without the families' knowledge or consent. The case drew widespread outrage and raised serious questions about oversight and ethics within Harvard's body donation program. The settlement compensates the affected families, though the exact financial terms have not been fully disclosed. The scandal has prompted calls for stricter regulation of body donation programs at universities across the United States. While not a local Caribbean story, the case is being reported in Curaçao as a matter of international significance.

Key Facts
  • Harvard University settled a lawsuit involving the illegal sale of donated human body parts on the black market.
  • Families had donated their relatives' bodies to Harvard for medical research, not knowing the remains would allegedly be sold.
  • The settlement is worth millions of dollars, though the exact amount has not been publicly specified.
Source: Nu.cw·1 hour ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Nu.cw
Court gives young first-time offender mostly suspended sentence in weapons case
Crime

Court gives young first-time offender mostly suspended sentence in weapons case

A Curaçao court of first instance has handed down a largely suspended sentence to 23-year-old Yonathan O., who was found in possession of an illegal firearm. The court took into consideration that this was the defendant's first encounter with the justice system, as well as his relatively young age. As a result, judges made a significant portion of his sentence conditional, meaning he will not serve it unless he reoffends. The case was heard in Willemstad, Curaçao. The decision reflects a judicial approach that weighs rehabilitation potential for young, first-time offenders against the seriousness of weapons possession charges. Illegal firearms remain a persistent concern for public safety on the island.

Key Facts
  • 23-year-old Yonathan O. was charged with illegal possession of a firearm in Willemstad, Curaçao.
  • The court made a large portion of his sentence conditional, citing his young age and lack of prior criminal record.
  • This was the defendant's first time in contact with the justice system, which was a key factor in the court's ruling.
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Extra Curaçao