Vast trafficking in pregabalin, the “poor man’s drug”, dismantled in Clermont-Ferrand

Significant trafficking in pregabalinan epilepsy drug misused by drug addicts, was dismantled in Clermont-Ferrand.

Four individuals were indicted after the seizure of 245,000 capsuleswhose value is estimated at 750,000 euros. The police also seized 200,000 euros in cash, weapons, grenades and narcotics.

Vast drug trafficking

The affair began between May and August 2024whena theft of 600,000 tablets was detected in a pharmaceutical company, resulting in damage of 300,000 euros.

The investigation, carried out by the Clermont-Ferrand Research Section and the Central Office for Combating Environmental and Public Health Attacks (Oclaps), revealed that two employees diverted the drugs to fuel trafficking in the Clermont region.

The arrests took place on Monday December 16 and Tuesday December 17, 2024, after the theft of two pallets of pregabalin (2,304 boxes in total).

This drug, used against epilepsy and anxiety, has been monitored since 2021 for its misuse, which can lead to serious complications, such as coma or death.