Trial of Pétur Jökull Jónasson begins in Reykjavík over cocaine smuggling case

The trial of Pétur Jökull Jónasson began this morning at the Reykjavík District Court. He is accused of playing a significant role in an attempt to smuggle 99 kilograms of cocaine into Iceland two years ago, marking the largest cocaine smuggling case in the country’s history. In 2022, police in the Netherlands and Iceland seized the drugs concealed in tree trunks.

While four individuals were convicted in the case, Pétur Jökull was not in Iceland at the time. He was reported to authorities, later coordinating with police to return to Iceland and surrender. The investigation into the case started five years ago.

Pétur Jökull is alleged to be the person referred to as “Nonni” by other individuals involved, believed to have issued instructions to the four who were already sentenced. In court, he denied recognizing the four defendants except for one, Birgir Halldórsson, with whom he had shared premises on Hverfisgatan years prior.

The prosecutor, Dagmar Ösp Vésteinsdóttir, questioned Pétur regarding comments made by another defendant, Daði Björnsson. Daði had previously stated that he only communicated with someone he identified as Pétur concerning the smuggling, but did not disclose his full name.

The court learned that Daði described Pétur as having a strong build, blond hair, and previously living near Kaffi Loka. Pétur confirmed owning a Stone Island jacket, matching Daði’s description, though he distanced himself from Daði’s assertion that he was not the same Pétur discussed in earlier statements.

Pétur’s extensive travels in 2022 were also explored during the trial, which included time spent in Spain, Thailand, and Brazil. Concerns about being located in Thailand led him to change his phone and dispose of other devices, fearing potential repercussions from local authorities.

Investigations regarding Pétur’s phone usage revealed connections to messaging apps known for encryption, although he denied recognition of various usernames linked to him. The trial proceedings are ongoing, with further testimonies expected after the lunch break.