Two men face drug charges in court

Two men appeared in criminal court in Nîmes on October 12 to explain their involvement in a drug trafficking case in the Escanaux neighborhood of Bagnols.

Police operation uncovers suspects

On October 9, law enforcement monitored the area and observed a young man fleeing when he realized police were nearby. The young man was followed into a building, and the police identified the apartment. No one inside was willing to open the door, so it was forced open.

Arrested student explains his actions

Three young men were inside, including the one who had fled on foot. The student, who was arrested, stated that there were high school protests on October 9 and therefore no classes, and that he had decided to buy a ticket to the Bagnolais deal point. He was found with 1,130 euros in cash on him.

Elderly suspect claims to be a lookout

Beside him was a 57-year-old man described as "the elder of the lookouts," who is the actual tenant of the social housing unit where the other accused was arrested. At the time of the police intervention, he was "working" and watching the deal point.

Suspect's unusual claims raise questions

A man in his fifties who was convicted in September 2025 and is now in legal recidivism. He stated he had not been to his apartment for months. When asked where he slept, he replied, "With some girlfriends," and gave a complicit wink to the other accused.

Disability claim conflicts with work schedule

The suspect provided a series of surprising details about himself, stating he had been 85% disabled since 1991. However, he later insisted he worked from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, a work schedule of 16 hours a day, including weekends, which goes well beyond collective agreements and may lead to complaints from the Social Security, which has been paying him disability-related benefits for many years.

Prosecutor seeks prison time

Prosecutor Stéphane Bertrand requested 18 months in prison with continued detention for the two accomplices, stating they are known for previous convictions in drug-related cases.

Defense highlights difficult circumstances

Defense lawyer Maître Chrystèle Georges argued that the two men are in a situation of extreme precarity. The plea was heard by the court because the two men were sentenced to 18 months in prison, but with a conditional suspension. The student was banned from residing in Bagnols.