Drug trafficking network dismantled near Colmar, operated from prison cell
A six-month investigation has led to the dismantling of a drugs network centred on Colmar, run from a cell via Snapchat. Thirteen people were arrested, four already convicted.
Drug trafficking operated from prison cell: thirteen arrests in Haut-Rhin
According to france3-regions.franceinfo.fr, Colmar's research brigade has dismantled a major drugs trafficking network following six months of surveillance, technical investigations and telephone interceptions.
The Prosecutor of the Republic Jean Richert revealed, in a statement released on 30 January, "the existence of a significant drugs trafficking operation, centred around Colmar and involving around a dozen people, whose roles and hierarchical level were quickly identified."
Members of the network responsible for storage, delivery and restocking of products communicated via a Snapchat account named "Real de Madrid". Investigators identified the manager of this account, who appeared to be operating from a cell in a penal institution, according to the magistrate.
On 27 January, around a hundred gendarmes from Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin were deployed for the arrests. The seizures recovered 320.55 grammes of cocaine, 4.75 kg of cannabis resin, 3.64 kg of ketamine, 6.5 grammes of heroin, more than ten thousand euros in cash, 200 cigarette cartridges as well as several vehicles.
Following their police custody periods, twelve people were brought before the courts. Four have already been convicted to imprisonment sentences of between 18 and 24 months. Seven others were remanded in custody pending their trial, scheduled for 27 March 2026 at the request of their lawyers. The twelfth person was released under judicial supervision.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)