In a major operation against drug trafficking, Marseille authorities have reported the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of nearly €1.2 million. This action follows a broader investigation into a suspected money-laundering network linked to drug-related crimes.
The Marseille branch of the anti-narcotics office, OFAST, conducted the arrests early in the week. Among those detained were five Marseille residents, two individuals from Vaucluse who were caught driving a van with nearly €1.2 million hidden inside, and eight people apprehended in the greater Paris region with assistance from the OFAST branch in Nanterre. The operation’s success was confirmed by Marseille Prosecutor Nicolas Bessone, who praised the anti-drug unit’s collaboration across regions.
Authorities highlighted the uncovering of an “active and lucrative network” responsible for collecting cash generated by drug sales. Drivers were reportedly making trips across France in specially modified vehicles with hidden compartments to gather bags of cash—often containing hundreds of thousands of euros—from various drug networks. The collected funds were then centralized in the Paris region before being laundered through multiple front companies.
Three Suspects Formally Charged
Following the arrests, three of the accused appeared before a judge on Thursday. They have been formally charged with drug trafficking, involvement in a criminal association, and money laundering. One suspect has been placed in provisional detention, while two others have been released under judicial supervision. The remaining suspects are also expected to face charges soon, with prosecutors likely to push for further detentions.
This investigation, which began in summer 2023, has already led to several successes, including the seizure of 43 kilograms of cocaine and over €50,000 in September. At that time, three individuals were charged in connection with the case.
