WILLEMSTAD - Four Venezuelan nationals convicted of smuggling 480 kilograms of cocaine into Curaçao’s territorial waters have filed an appeal against their five-year prison sentences, arguing that the punishment is too harsh and unfairly equal to that of the boat’s captain, who admitted guilt.

The case dates back to November 2024, when a high-speed vessel, commonly known as a “go-fast” boat, departed from Venezuela and entered Curaçao’s waters. The Coast Guard detected the vessel via radar and intercepted it after a pursuit. During the chase, two crew members were seen throwing packages overboard. The boat was eventually stopped, and authorities seized 480 kilograms of pure cocaine.

Defendants deny knowledge of the drugs

The captain told investigators that the group never intended to dock in Curaçao. He claimed a friend had hired him to retrieve the boat in Colombia and transport the drugs back to Venezuela. According to his statement, the crew lost their bearings and accidentally entered Curaçaoan waters.

The other four crew members maintained that they were unaware of the drug cargo, insisting they believed the boat was carrying fuel. One of the men initially told police that the shipment was not destined for Curaçao, but later retracted that statement.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office argued that the crew members traveled together on an unregistered vessel, were aware of the nature of the cargo, and were therefore criminally responsible. The prosecutor demanded five years in prison for each of the five defendants — a sentence the court ultimately upheld.

The four men now claim the punishment is disproportionate, particularly since the captain confessed and accepted full responsibility. Their appeal hearing is scheduled for February 2026 before the Common Court of Justice.