This morning, a criminal trial proceeded very swiftly but resulted in severe consequences for Ms. E.G.
It was understood that last month the Examining Judge released E.G. because she was 5 months pregnant while awaiting her criminal trial for exporting 600 grams of cocaine. This morning she failed to appear, and considering that she is likely on the streets using drugs, the Judge sentenced E.G. to prison and ordered her immediate arrest.
The Judge questioned the situation, noting that no government agency or institution is willing to assist the woman. The Judge pointed out that while laws exist allowing for mandatory rehabilitation, there is no government-established facility or institution where such rehab can take place.
Woman exported cocaine
The 29-year-old woman, E.G., is accused of exporting cocaine on May 13, 2026. E.G. did not appear in court; however, her defense attorney and her mother were present, as was a representative from the Probation Service (Reclasering). Following her release from the KIA correctional facility, E.G. returned to the streets, remaining active in her addiction while pregnant.
It was revealed that in May, E.G. was asked to ship 3 boxes containing spare parts—given to her by an individual known as “Rasta”—to the Netherlands via the post office. It turned out that cocaine was hidden inside the boxes. A total of 600 grams of cocaine was confiscated. E.G. was arrested and, due to her pregnancy, was released last month.
Lack of institutional support
The Judge cited a Probation Service report indicating that E.G. failed to report for assistance as agreed. It appears that no agency is willing to admit E.G. for rehabilitation or to help prepare for her unborn child due to her past record of non-compliance with rules and disruptive behavior.
The Guardianship Council (Voogdijraad) is aware of the situation and will intervene once the child is born.
The Judge remarked that E.G. is an addict who desperately needs help, yet no institution is willing to step in. The Judge questioned who would help her, pointing out that her child could potentially be born addicted as well. The Judge called the Probation officer as a witness to evaluate options for dealing with E.G., who currently cannot be located.
The Probation officer testified that E.G.’s mother explained the challenging living situation at her home, where she cares for two of E.G.’s three minor, special-needs children. The mother refuses to allow E.G. into the home to protect the children from her influence, as E.G. displays disruptive behavior there as well. E.G. was 5 months pregnant when released last month. The Probation officer expressed that E.G. should have remained in KIA, noting that discussions were held with Fundasion Hunto, but E.G. violated their rules and was rejected by Centro Colorado.
The officer added that upon her release in September 2026, E.G. went to stay with a friend whose family also uses drugs. Therefore, the Probation officer believes the best option is KIA, which has a designated unit for mothers to stay with their newborns during the child’s first year of life.
Laws exist, but no execution
The Judge explained that while legislation exists to mandate involuntary rehabilitation in a secure facility, there is no physical institution available to execute this. The Respaldo mental health facility is unable to admit such cases, and the Government has established no clear policy or infrastructure to facilitate court-ordered rehabilitation, unlike the system in the Netherlands.
Public Prosecutor
The Prosecutor stated that it is an established fact that E.G. exported cocaine, arguing that given her pregnancy and addiction, keeping her free posed too great a risk.
The Prosecutor demanded an 18-month prison sentence, with 6 months suspended and a 3-year probation period under Probation Service supervision, requesting that the Judge revoke her release order and command her immediate detention.
Defense Attorney
Defense attorney Mr. Canwood stated that E.G. admitted to the charges and that the sentence demanded by the Prosecutor fits the crime. However, he emphasized that she is a pregnant addict who will give birth shortly, urging that treatment for her addiction be prioritized.
Arrest order issued
The Judge delivered the verdict immediately, finding it legally proven that E.G. exported 600 grams of cocaine. The Judge noted that court sentencing guidelines for drug offenses differed slightly from the Prosecutor’s demand.
The Judge sentenced E.G. to 18 months in prison, with 9 months suspended and a 3-year probation period under Probation Service oversight. The Judge noted that attempts to place E.G. in a shelter failed, leaving returning to prison as the only viable option. Consequently, the Judge revoked the suspension of her pre-trial detention, enabling the Public Prosecutor’s Office to issue an immediate arrest warrant for her re-commitment to KIA. This ensures E.G. will receive care and monitoring in KIA, and will be transferred to the hospital when it is time to deliver her baby.