Drug trafficking to Périgueux prison: three young men sentenced to custodial terms
Three men aged 20 to 26 have been convicted by the Périgueux district court for supplying drugs to detainees.
Parcels thrown over prison walls
The district court of Périgueux handed down sentences ranging from eight to thirty months in custody on Friday 5 June against three men involved in drug trafficking to detainees, according to sudouest.fr.
It all began in the evening of 6 May, when residents living near Périgueux prison alerted the police: a person was allegedly throwing parcels over the walls of the facility. Officers arrested Dylan, 20 years old, who was carrying 150 euros in cash and cannabis. A search of a flat rented in his name led to the arrest of Damian Mithra, 23 years old, and Sallah Chariffou, 26 years old, found in possession of more than 3,000 euros, 5.70 grams of cocaine and approximately 140 grams of cannabis.
Conflicting versions at trial
The three defendants have known each other since the beginning of an apprenticeship programme that started in January. Each presented a different version of events. The first denied any involvement and described the flat as merely a gathering place for friends. Dylan, the youngest, claimed he had been forced to deliver the drugs under threat, to himself and his family. The third admitted to the resale activity and confirmed Dylan's role as a delivery person, but denied any blackmail, describing the latter as a "liar and manipulator".
Sentences in line with prosecution submissions
Deputy prosecutor Annabelle Guignard highlighted several pieces of evidence against Damian Mithra, notably his refusal to unlock his mobile phone during the investigation. His lawyer, Me Marco De Sousa, made an ironic comment on the situation: "I have the impression of seeing one scapegoat and two nasty wolves", emphasising in his view the inconsistencies in Dylan's statements.
The court nevertheless followed the prosecution's submissions. Dylan was sentenced to eighteen months in custody, of which eight are in prison. Damian Mithra and Sallah Chariffou, both already with adverse criminal records, received sentences of thirty months and one year in custody respectively.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)