Royal Pardon For Convicted Dutch Drug Traffickers

[george]

DUTCH STATE VISIT

Royal pardon for convicted drug traffickers

BANGKOK: Two convicted drug traffickers from Holland have received royal pardons at the request of the Dutch government, marking the end of a five-day state visit by Queen Beatrix.

Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said yesterday His Majesty the King pardoned Piedro Ruijzing and George Ofosuhene, both serving eight-year terms.

Mr Surakiart informed his Dutch counterpart, Bernard Bot, the government would also expedite court verdicts on the appeals of three other Dutch drug offenders serving life terms.

The two sides would later establish a treaty allowing prisoners to serve out part of their sentences at home, he said.

In addition, the government requested closer intelligence links to combat traffickers of ecstasy pills into the country.

--Bangkok Post 2004-01-23