The French police have successfully disrupted a significant drug trafficking operation aimed at smuggling synthetic drugs into Algeria. The operation, which involved a network of individuals operating between the Netherlands and Île-de-France, was brought to a halt after a series of coordinated arrests and seizures. According to reports, the network had been orchestrating the trafficking of cocaine and ecstasy between the two European countries since 2025.
The investigation began in October 2025, when police intercepted a tip-off about a suspicious operation. This led to the discovery of a call center, ironically named "La Reine des neiges," which was operating through encrypted messaging applications. The network was found to be selling cocaine at a fixed price of 140 euros for a minimum of two grams per delivery in Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region.
A significant breakthrough came on February 10, 2026, when police arrested a key figure, Terence, who was found carrying 96 grams of powdered substance worth approximately 6,500 euros. Further investigation led to the arrest of Mohamed, a professional in the film industry, who was coordinating the logistics of the trafficking operation. A search of his premises uncovered 13.4 kg of cocaine, a rifle, and over 200 rounds of ammunition.
The alleged leader of the network was found to be operating from a prison cell in Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, where he was directing the trafficking operation with the help of accomplices in Île-de-France and the Nîmes region. The gang's modus operandi involved regular trips to the Netherlands to purchase drugs, which were then sold across France using a fleet of modified vehicles with hidden compartments.
In a major coup, police intercepted a shipment of 145 kg of synthetic drugs worth 6.6 million euros on the A6 highway, bound for Algeria via a ferry. The driver was arrested, and subsequent searches led to the seizure of additional drugs, cash, and equipment used for packaging and jamming signals.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of several key individuals, including the alleged leader, his companion, and a "nourrice" who was released from a semi-liberty center. Police seized a total of 84 kg of blue ecstasy tablets, nearly a kilogram of cannabis resin, 8,350 euros in cash, and various equipment used for packaging and counting money.
The dismantling of this major trafficking network is a significant achievement for French law enforcement, highlighting their efforts to combat organized crime and disrupt the flow of illicit substances into the country and beyond. The operation demonstrates the complexity and scope of international drug trafficking networks and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- The French police seized 145 kg of synthetic drugs worth 6.6 million euros destined for Algeria.
- The network had been operating between the Netherlands and Île-de-France since 2025.
- The alleged leader of the network was operating from a prison cell in Meaux, Seine-et-Marne.
