A vast drug trafficking network containing pregabalin was dismantled in Clermont-Ferrand, the gendarmerie said on Friday.
Nicknamed the “poor man’s drug”, this treatment for epileptic seizures is misused by drug addicts.
Four people were indicted on Thursday and placed in pre-trial detention.
A vast drug trafficking network containing pregabalin was dismantled in Clermont-Ferrand, the gendarmerie said this Friday, December 20, which specified that a total of 245,000 capsules, for a value of 750,000 euros, were seized in the framework of this operation. Four people were indicted on Thursday and placed in pre-trial detention, according to a press release from the gendarmerie sent to AFP.
Pregabalin, better known by its trade name Lyrica and nicknamed “poor man's drug”, East “very consumed in the street”, explains Colonel Ludovic Ehrhart, head of the Central Office for Combating Attacks on the Environment and Public Health (Oclaesp). These stamps, “which only cost a few euros”, are diverted from their use and “used for addictive purposes”, he adds.
Anomalies linked to unfulfilled orders
The case began at the beginning of May when several customers of a pharmaceutical distribution company reported anomalies linked to unfulfilled orders for their treatment. An internal investigation revealed that more than 600,000 tablets were stolen between May and August, causing damage estimated at 300,000 euros for the company.
Investigators from the Clermont-Ferrand Research Section and Oclaesp then took over. They identified two employees who were stealing the drugs and diverting them for the benefit of a network of traffickers operating in the Clermont region.
Monday and Tuesday, four individuals were arrested after a new theft of two pallets of pregabalin (2,304 boxes), then indicted and placed in pre-trial detention. It is about “thirty year olds” déjà “known for some small scams”, a source close to the matter told AFP.
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In addition to the 245,000 capsules, more than 200,000 euros in cash were also seized during the search, as well as contraband cigarettes, four firearms including two assault rifles, eight hand grenades, several hundred rounds of ammunition and various narcotics.
From “3-4 ans” drug trafficking has “exploded”adds Colonel Ludovic Ehrhart. This trafficking, which has been seized by “structured criminal groups”, have “very concrete effects” on public safety, he said again, “this contributes to violent attacks or thefts” observed by law enforcement.
Faced with the increase in cases of abuse, dependence and falsified prescriptions, the National Medicines Safety Agency restricted in May 2021 the conditions for prescribing pregabalin, which is now limited to six months and makes the subject of a secure and tamper-proof prescription. Medicines containing pregabalin are prescribed for epilepsy but also to treat generalized anxiety disorders and neuropathic pain. Their misuse can lead to complications such as coma, impaired consciousness and can lead to death.
