Another “clear space” operation which bore fruit, around the Cité Gagarine, in Ivry-sur-Seine. Rather juicy fruits, judging by the merchandise seized during the searches: nearly a kilogram of cannabis resin, 237 g of cannabis herb, 14 g of cocaine, 5.5 g of amphetamines, 2.2 g of ketamine, 27,378 euros in cash, gold jewelry (worth approximately 20,000 euros), as well as three vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz V class.
On March 15, the Val-de-Marne territorial security narcotics brigade opened a preliminary investigation into drug trafficking (mainly cannabis resin) in the Cité Gagarine sector. Surveillance then reveals that sellers and lookouts are using a construction site to protect themselves from any police intervention.
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The police also managed to highlight links between the deal point in Gagarin City and other individuals located at Place Voltaire. In total, the police estimate the number of daily transactions for the two points of sale at nearly 350.
“Several businesses, and more particularly a grocery store and a bar, were suspected of taking part in trafficking through money laundering activity,” indicates the Créteil public prosecutor’s office in a press release, specifying that “administrative procedures could be initiated against of the targeted businesses”.
More than 130 personnel deployed during the operation
On April 1, 2024, the investigation came to a head after the arrest of two consumers who came to buy cannabis resin. The next morning, a vast operation to arrest 15 individuals (owners and managers, sellers and nannies from both points) was carried out as part of a “clearance” operation. According to the prosecution, the 60 personnel of the security brigade were supported by 72 personnel of the operational support group and 10 personnel of the dog brigade.
In this context, 12 individuals (three minors aged 15 to 16 and nine adults aged 18 to 50), ten of whom are domiciled in Ivry-sur-Seine, are presented this Saturday April 6 before an investigating judge. The prosecution requires measures of judicial control against minors and provisional detention against adults. An investigation into transport, possession, offer or transfer, unauthorized acquisition of narcotics and money laundering has been opened.