Anti-drug operations in Ariège: six arrests, contraband seized and over 100 traffic offences
Police conducted a series of crackdown operations in Ariège from 26 to 29 May, targeting drug trafficking, contraband and traffic offences.
Four days of intensive police operations in Ariège: cocaine, contraband and secondary schools under scrutiny
According to lejournaltoulousain.fr, up to 42 officers were deployed each day between 26 and 29 May in the Ariège department, as part of a series of operations targeting drug trafficking, contraband and traffic offences. The interventions covered Foix, Pamiers, railway stations, several residential neighbourhoods, educational establishments and major road networks. Local personnel were reinforced by zonal officers, specialist motorcyclists and operational reservists.
Cocaine dealing point dismantled in Foix
One of the most significant operations targeted a cocaine dealing point established in a housing estate in Foix. Six people suspected of being involved were arrested. Investigators seized just over 2,000 euros in cash during these arrests.
In the same area, more than a hundred cellars were searched with the assistance of dogs specialised in detecting drugs. These searches form part of a strategy of enhanced presence in neighbourhoods previously identified as sensitive areas.
Increased patrols in the town centre streets
Residents of Foix observed a multiplication of foot patrols in the town centre and around the railway station. National police officers conducted these rounds jointly with the municipal police. Several tickets were issued for drug consumption and non-compliance with the prohibition on consuming alcohol in public places.
Since the beginning of the year, foot patrol hours have increased significantly in the town. Traders have also benefited from numerous prevention visits and contact-making over recent months.
Checks at a secondary school and on school buses
The operations also concerned educational establishments. At Gabriel-Fauré secondary school in Foix, bag checks were organised to prevent the introduction of weapons or dangerous objects. The authorities indicate that no offences were found during this operation.
School bus drivers were also subjected to breath and drug testing. All tests proved negative.
Contraband seized on a bus from Andorra
The RN20, the road linking Ariège to the Principality of Andorra, was subject to targeted checks. During an inspection of a bus returning from Andorra, officers discovered several contraband goods: 39 cigarette cartridges, approximately 11 kilograms of rolling tobacco and several litres of strong alcohol were seized. These checks aim to combat trafficking regularly observed on this border route, which is particularly busy as the summer season approaches.
Over a hundred traffic offences in a few days
In parallel, significant traffic checks were conducted with the support of specialist motorcyclists. The offences detected were numerous and varied: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, lack of insurance, worn tyres, suspended licences or missing vehicle inspections. In total, more than a hundred fines were issued over a few days, in addition to fifteen road traffic offences recorded.
Further operations announced in coming weeks
The authorities indicated they wish to continue this type of action in the coming weeks, particularly as the summer tourist season approaches. The stated objective is to increase the visibility of law enforcement on the ground and to continue targeting trafficking, everyday violence and dangerous behaviour on Ariège roads.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)