Dismantling of a Cocaine Trafficking Ring Involving Paris Airport Ground Staff
A significant drug operation between France and Brazil has resulted in multiple arrests linked to airport employees at Charles de Gaulle.
French authorities have dismantled a cocaine trafficking operation that allegedly involved ground staff at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport, with significant operations traced from Brazil to France.
The operation was disclosed on June 7, 2025, following a thorough investigation by the gendarmerie's Transport Research Section (SRTA).
In a coordinated effort, eight individuals were arrested on June 3 across various regions, including Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d'Oise, and Seine-Saint-Denis.
The operation mobilized over 105 gendarmes along with several specialized services, underscoring the scale of the investigation.
The investigation was initiated after two cartons containing 45 blocks of cocaine, totaling approximately 50 kilograms, were seized during a routine security check at the airport in late 2024. This discovery prompted a deeper inquiry into the drug transport routes and the individuals involved.
According to judicial sources, the investigation led to the opening of a judicial inquiry on January 22 by the Paris Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS), focusing on organized drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and laundering of drug trafficking proceeds.
As of June 7, seven of the arrested individuals have been placed under judicial examination, with two being remanded in custody, four under judicial control, and one seeking a deferral for a hearing before a judge.
The detection and dismantling of this trafficking network revealed that it had been operating for several months, capable of transporting between 20 to 50 kilograms of cocaine per month.
The network was reported to utilize several employees and mid-level officials within airport authority’s services, enabling its operations to blend into the airport's regular activities.
Gendarmerie officials remarked on the case's significance, noting a trend where criminal organizations often manipulate airport personnel to facilitate drug smuggling.
The investigation's findings highlight the involvement of higher-level airport staff rather than just the ground handlers who are typically arrested in similar operations.
During the June 3 operation, authorities were able to confiscate nearly €500,000 in criminal assets, over €100,000 in cash, five vehicles, a residence, luxury items including clothing, perfumes, and jewelry, along with a firearm.
This underscores the extensive resources and profits associated with the drug trafficking operation.
The operation was disclosed on June 7, 2025, following a thorough investigation by the gendarmerie's Transport Research Section (SRTA).
In a coordinated effort, eight individuals were arrested on June 3 across various regions, including Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d'Oise, and Seine-Saint-Denis.
The operation mobilized over 105 gendarmes along with several specialized services, underscoring the scale of the investigation.
The investigation was initiated after two cartons containing 45 blocks of cocaine, totaling approximately 50 kilograms, were seized during a routine security check at the airport in late 2024. This discovery prompted a deeper inquiry into the drug transport routes and the individuals involved.
According to judicial sources, the investigation led to the opening of a judicial inquiry on January 22 by the Paris Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS), focusing on organized drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and laundering of drug trafficking proceeds.
As of June 7, seven of the arrested individuals have been placed under judicial examination, with two being remanded in custody, four under judicial control, and one seeking a deferral for a hearing before a judge.
The detection and dismantling of this trafficking network revealed that it had been operating for several months, capable of transporting between 20 to 50 kilograms of cocaine per month.
The network was reported to utilize several employees and mid-level officials within airport authority’s services, enabling its operations to blend into the airport's regular activities.
Gendarmerie officials remarked on the case's significance, noting a trend where criminal organizations often manipulate airport personnel to facilitate drug smuggling.
The investigation's findings highlight the involvement of higher-level airport staff rather than just the ground handlers who are typically arrested in similar operations.
During the June 3 operation, authorities were able to confiscate nearly €500,000 in criminal assets, over €100,000 in cash, five vehicles, a residence, luxury items including clothing, perfumes, and jewelry, along with a firearm.
This underscores the extensive resources and profits associated with the drug trafficking operation.