A vast drug trafficking network containing pregabalin, a treatment for epileptic seizures diverted by drug addicts and nicknamed “poor man's drug“, was dismantled in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme), the gendarmerie indicated this Friday, December 20.
Four people were indicted on Thursday and placed in pre-trial detention, according to a press release from the gendarmerie sent to AFP. A total of 245,000 capsules, worth 750,000 euros, were seized as part of this operation. Pregabalin, better known by its trade name Lyrica and nicknamed “poor man's drug“, East “widely consumed in the street“, explains to AFP 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. Since then “3-4 ans“drug trafficking has”exploded“, adds the colonel. These traffics, which have been seized by “structured criminal groups“, have “very concrete effects“on public safety,” he said again, “this contributes to attacks or violent thefts” observed by the police.
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's about “thirty years old“, déjà “known for some small scams“, a source close to the matter told AFP. 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.
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. 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.
(With AFP).
