During the operation, one of the criminals restarted his vehicle and hit a police vehicle, injuring three police officers. One of the criminals also had an automatic pistol, “magazine engaged and loaded,” according to the statement.
A major operation. On August 17, between Lille, Bordeaux and Bayonne, an international drug trafficking operation was dismantled by the police, reports the public prosecutor Carole Étienne. In total, 246 kg of cannabis (190 of resin and 74 of grass) were seized in a “go-fast” convoy leaving Spain for France on the A63 motorway.
During the operation, one of the criminals restarted his vehicle and hit a police vehicle, injuring three police officers. One of the criminals also had an automatic pistol, “magazine engaged and loaded,” according to the statement.
This convoy, made up of three high-powered vehicles and comprising six adults, men and women, known to the police, was stopped during an operation carried out by the BRI of Lille, Bordeaux, Bayonne and the OFAST branch of Lille.
An open judicial investigation
A couple living in Valenciennes and involved, according to the prosecutor, in the logistical organisation of import convoys were also arrested at their home. Several coordinated searches were carried out in western France and in Belgium.
A judicial investigation was opened on 21 August by the public prosecutor’s office of the Inter-Regional Specialised Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Lille, in particular on charges of “participation in a criminal association with a view to preparing crimes or offences punishable by ten years’ imprisonment” and “importation of narcotics by an organised gang”.
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The eight people arrested were charged. Five of them were placed in provisional detention and three under judicial supervision.
Clement Boutin BFMTV journalist
