A 24-year-old Icelandic man might be facing a long prison sentence in Brazil after he was arrested at the international airport in Recife last week, carrying almost six kilos of very pure cocaine that he was most likely going to smuggle to Iceland.
The man arrived in Brazil on April 10 and was on his way to Malaga in Spain when he was arrested. He is being detained in custody, Morgunbladid reports.
Another young man who was going to travel on the same plane was also arrested, carrying more than one kilo of cocaine. However, their cases are not believed to be related.
Iceland’s Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the international department of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, sent a request to Brazilian police authorities because of this case on whether it is related to anyone in Iceland. No answers have been received.
According to the Brazilian media, the Icelander who was caught in Recife might face up to 20 years in prison.
However, that is considered unlikely since he has a clean criminal record and the amount of drugs he was carrying was relatively low. He might be sentenced to five to eight years in prison, though.
Discussions began between Icelandic and Brazilian authorities on the transport of convicts last year on Iceland’s initiative.
If an agreement is reached, Icelanders who face conviction in Brazil can apply for serving their sentence in Iceland provided all conditions are fulfilled. One of these conditions is that there is room in Icelandic prisons.
Minister of Justice Ragna Árnadóttir said she is hopeful that an agreement on prison transport with Brazilian authorities will be reached soon.
Three Icelandic citizens have been convicted on drug violations in Brazil in recent years. One of them has already served his sentence.
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