Surveillance around shopping center

A unit from the specialized field brigade of the national police set up surveillance around a shopping center. The operation focused on monitoring activities related to cigarette transactions and potential illegal activities.

Man arrested with cigarettes

The police observed a man known to their services conducting cigarette transactions and making multiple trips to an apartment on the fourth floor of a building on the avenue de Bourgogne. He was arrested as he left the apartment with cigarette packages in hand and placed in custody.

Items seized during arrest

During the arrest, a sum of 185 euros was found in the man's bag. Cigarettes, drugs, and 1,500 euros in cash were also seized. The police conducted a search of the apartment with an interpreter present.

Drugs and other items found

Inside the apartment, the police discovered 230 grams of cannabis resin and 62 grams of cocaine packaged for sale. Other items found included a ledger of accounts, new bottles of alcohol, a bicycle, electronic equipment, and various objects. Their origin and connection to the events are being assessed.

Suspect's statements and claims

The 25-year-old suspect admitted to selling cigarettes at 10 euros each but denied owning the drugs or other seized items. He claimed the apartment was illegally occupied by others who were reselling drugs and that some customers paid with objects instead of money.

Surveillance confirms cigarette sales

According to the national police, surveillance footage confirmed the man was selling packs of cigarettes. The checks also revealed he was subject to two search warrants related to an obligation to leave French territory and an administrative ban on returning.

Court appearance and incarceration

The suspect's custody ended on Friday, October 16, 2026, and he was brought before the court for a guilty plea procedure. At the end of the procedure, he was incarcerated in the Besançon prison.