The Dutch government sent a written statement to Suriname on Monday apologising for a raid on The Hague residence of David Abiamofo, acting Surinamese ambassador to the Netherlands . A spokesperson for the Dutch embassy in Paramaribo confirmed the letter to Radio Netherlands Worldwide, but did not elaborate on its contents.

Mr Abiamofo’s home was raided on Saturday by police looking for members of the Mafia. The residence is apparently registered in the name of the sister of an “important intermediary between South American drug traffickers and the Italian Mafia,” reported Dutch newspaper AD.

During the incident, the ambassador was forced to lie flat on his couch for an hour while his wife and children looked on. When he identified himself as a diplomat, officers allegedly said, “You can be the queen for all we care, we’re still going to carry out the raid.”

The Dutch deputy ambassador in Paramaribo had already verbally apologised for the events, however the Surinamese government asked for the statement in writing. The Surinamese parliament expressed strong criticism of the raid and called for an investigation.

A spokesperson for the police downplayed the incident to Radio Netherlands Worldwide, saying, “The press has blown the matter out of proportion.”

(lo/imm)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide