Former Netherlands star Quincy Promes facing nine-year prison sentence for smuggling 1,361 kilos of cocaine - eight months after Spartak Moscow winger was found guilty of stabbing his cousin

Promes is being prosecuted for allegedly importing 1,361 kilograms of cocaine and could be handed a nine-year prison sentence if found guilty - as per De Telegraaf. The Public Prosecution Service has demanded the hefty sentence as Promes is seen as having played a key role within the smuggling organisation. The Dutchman, who is currently on the books of Russian club Spartak Moscow, has previously been given an 18-month jail term for assault after stabbing his cousin at a party.

According to De Telegraaf, the Public Prosecution Service told the court: "Because of his absence, we will not get an answer to the question of how such a successful footballer allowed himself to be drawn into crime. He takes no responsibility for the facts and seems to consider himself untouchable in Russia and beyond."

Promes could continue his career at Spartak even if he is found guilty. The 32-year-old did not attend his assault trial and was not present at the Amsterdam court on Wednesday to hear the Public Prosecution demand a nine-year sentence. If Promes does not return to his homeland, he will avoid jail because Russia does not have an extradition treaty with the Netherlands. Promes is also reportedly trying to obtain a Russian passport.

The Dutchman is still playing for Spartak Moscow and seems intent on continuing to do so. Promes has made 17 appearances for his team this season, scoring six goals. The Russian Premier League is currently on hold due to the winter break, with Spartak Moscow due to return to action in February with a friendly against Al-Jazira in Abu Dhabi.