According to reports from AFP and BFM TV, the mayor of Avallon, Jamilah Habsaoui, has been arrested by French police after a significant amount of cannabis, weighing 70kg, was discovered at her residence.
Habsaoui, who has held the position of mayor since 2021 and is also a regional councilor, had her home searched as part of an initial investigation into drug trafficking. Although she purchased the property three years ago, it is reported that she does not actually live there.
The L’Yonne Republicaine newspaper also mentioned that Avallon town hall was subjected to a search. In addition to Habsaoui, a total of seven individuals were detained, including two of her brothers.
The public prosecutor of Auxerre, Hugues de Phily, stated that during the raids, authorities seized 983 grams of cocaine, €7,000 ($7,600) in cash, and approximately 20 gold bars from various locations.
This operation was conducted as part of a broader anti-narcotics campaign called ‘Place nette XXL,’ which was initiated earlier this year.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin shared on X (formerly Twitter) that a total of 473 raids have been carried out, leading to the arrest of over 7,000 suspects and the confiscation of 3.6 tons of drugs.
