Chase and seizure of 50 kg of tobacco in the Somme

A significant intervention by the gendarmes on the night of November 29 to 30 made it possible to put an end to a frantic chase in the Hauts-de-France region. Under the hood, an illegal cargo of tobacco weighing nearly 50 kilos, accompanied by thousands of euros in cash. A look back at a breathtaking operation.

A night chase between the Somme and Pas-de-Calais

Friday, November 29 in the evening, the gendarmes posted at Doingta small town close to Peronneattempt to control a white utility. But very quickly, the operation takes an unexpected turn. The driver refuses to comply and rushes to flee. Faced with this situation, a large-scale device is quickly deployed to intercept the fleeing man.

It is ultimately up to Transloyin the Pas-de-Calaisa few kilometers from Bapaumethat the reckless driver is stopped. An outcome which puts an end to an eventful night for the police.

An impressive seizure: tobacco, cigarettes and liquid

Upon inspection of the vehicle, the discovery was astonishing. In the utility sector, the gendarmes got their hands on a huge quantity of illicit products: approximately 50 kilos of rolling tobacconot less than 4 000 cigarettes and several thousands of euros in cashprobably from illegal trade. The scale of the seizure highlights the persistence of tobacco trafficking in the region.

A suspect well known to the authorities

The driver, quickly arrested, turns out to be already known to law enforcement and judicial services. He was immediately taken into custody at the Péronne gendarmerie brigade, which is leading the investigation. The matter was confirmed by the squadron leader Geoffroy Blincommander of the Péronne company, who refers any additional communication to the Amiens public prosecutor's office.

The suspect, who will have to answer for his actions, is expected in court this Monday, after 48 hours in police custody. The challenge of the hearing will be to shed light on the origin of the seized products, and potentially on larger-scale trafficking.

An operation illustrating the fight against trafficking

This case highlights the importance of controls on highways in the fight against trafficking. Illegal tobacco networks continue to flourish in the region, attracted by high margins and a booming parallel market. Law enforcement, for their part, is increasing their efforts to curb these illicit activities.

This interception, although spectacular, illustrates how high the stakes remain in the face of organized trafficking, often supported by transnational networks.