Avallon: end of investigation in drugs case affecting mayor's circle
The narcotics trafficking file that shook Avallon's town hall in 2024 is progressing. The magistrate in charge of investigations has concluded his investigative phase.
Avallon: end of investigation in drugs case affecting mayor's circle
The criminal file opened in spring 2024 in Avallon, in the Yonne department, is moving forward. The investigating judge issued the opinion provided for by the legal provision codified under number 175 at the end of May, the Auxerre public prosecutor's office indicated on 8 June 2026.
This case of illicit trafficking in psychotropic substances had particularly stirred local public life owing to the family ties linking certain suspects with Jamilah Habsaoui, the town's chief magistrate. The elected official was never personally troubled by the matter, however.
Marie-Denise Pichonnier, chief magistrate at the judicial court in Auxerre, confirmed the proceedings undertaken. "The 175 opinion was indeed notified. In the absence of defendants in custody, the prosecution has a quarter of a year to formulate its final submissions," she stated.
On the defence side, Me César Lauwerie, who represents Rachid Habsaoui, played down the deadline. According to him, the public prosecutor's services frequently take more time than the legal timeframe, especially as this file is not being handled as an absolute priority given that no suspect is currently serving provisional detention.
The facts date back to spring 2024, when police dismantled a network active in this town in the Yonne. The revelation of the family connections with the elected official caused a media and political earthquake at departmental level.
The final requisition that the public prosecutor is preparing will determine which defendants will be referred before the bench magistrates and on which charges. With the investigative phase concluded, the file now passes into the hands of the public prosecutor's office.
Source: Le Populaire du Centre
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)