Picasso painting seized during drug operation in Paris region
A canvas by the Spanish painter was discovered by police during a raid on a house in Champigny-sur-Marne. The judiciary has opened an investigation into theft and receiving stolen goods.
Picasso painting seized during drug operation in Paris region
A search carried out as part of a drug trafficking investigation enabled detectives to uncover a canvas by painter Pablo Picasso. The operation took place in a residence located in Champigny-sur-Marne, a commune situated to the east of Paris, according to Swiss media 20 Minuten.
The authenticity of the artwork was validated by specialists, the Créteil public prosecutor's office confirmed to the AFP news agency on the Saturday following the operation. The work of art was hidden in the same house where law enforcement also discovered cannabis resin, high-end clothing items and a wad of banknotes totalling several thousand euros.
The operation had been conducted by the judicial police on a Monday. Following the investigation, four individuals were brought before the court on the Friday of the same week. The judges opened judicial proceedings for facts of unlawful possession of narcotic substance, as well as for theft and receiving stolen goods concerning the painting.
The public prosecutor's office did not disclose the title or estimated value of the recovered canvas.
Source: 20 Minuten
Source: 20 Minuten