Five arrested over smuggling of Californian cannabis to France
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling of Californian cannabis to France. The cannabis was hidden in shipments of furniture and clothing, with the operation growing significantly over the course of 2025. Two of the suspects, known for their previous scams, have allegedly formed an alliance to orchestrate this drug trade.
- ▪The cannabis was transported in consignments hidden among furniture, clothing, and arcade gaming machines.
- ▪Shipments began with a few dozen kilograms and increased to over 100 kilograms as the operation expanded.
- ▪The two main suspects are known for their previous criminal activities, including embezzlement and counterfeiting.
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At Hollywood Burbank Airport, Los Angeles County, January 29, 2026. MARIO TAMA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP The goods, meticulously packaged, were Californian-made. The first shipments consisted of just a few dozen kilograms to test the reliability of the logistics; then, once the business was running smoothly, shipments grew to over 100 kilograms. Hidden inside consignments of furniture, clothing or arcade gaming machines, the Californian cannabis was transported on increasingly large pallets. Over the course of 2025, the product became one of the most sought-after items on the illegal market. An unusual duo, until now far removed from the typical world of drug traffickers, is suspected by French investigators of orchestrating this large-scale drug trade.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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