On the night of Saturday, October 26, 2024, customs officers in Lons-le-Saunier made a remarkable discovery during a routine inspection. Behind 20 tons of candy in a large truck, they uncovered over 560 kg of cannabis. This significant seizure, with an estimated street value of nearly 5 million euros, occurred in the Jura region of France on the Poulet de Bresse rest area.
The truck, originating from Spain and en route to Poland, was pulled over around 3:00 a.m. by customs agents conducting regular checks on freight trucks along major highways. Hidden among the 27 pallets of sweets were three additional pallets filled with large amounts of cannabis, indicating a sophisticated smuggling operation designed to evade detection by concealing illegal products within an innocent-looking cargo.
The truck driver, now in custody, awaits trial and will remain in temporary detention while the investigation continues. French authorities have placed responsibility for the investigation with the Tribunal of Chalon-sur-Saône, the regional court responsible for handling such cases. Authorities are conducting a thorough examination to determine the origins and destination of the narcotics.
As for the candy, officials noted that if it is deemed part of a legitimate commercial order, its rightful owners may claim it. However, if no one steps forward, customs officials stated they may donate the sweets to local charities, such as the Red Cross or Restos du Cœur, in line with customs’ standard practices for non-perishable items that can benefit those in need.
