A 59-year-old resident of Maaseik faces an 18-month prison sentence and an €8,000 fine for distributing drugs almost free of charge over two years.
He claimed he offered drugs “only to help,” but the judge was unsympathetic. The man, who used speed to ease his arthritis pain, was charged with importing speed from the Netherlands and distributing it to about eight regular visitors to his home, occasionally receiving compensation.
Police became suspicious after noticing increased activity at his residence and seized 5.6 grams of speed from a visitor who had just purchased it from him.
The judge expressed frustration with his claim that he dealt drugs out of boredom and questioned how he could not realise he was perpetuating addiction.
The verdict will be announced on 2 September.
