Cartons of smuggled cigarettes arrived from Belgium in whole vans, before being disposed of by a swarm of street vendors at Arnouville station. This illicit trade, which generated up to one million euros in turnover per year, was recently dismantled by the Gonesse police. During a search, the police seized more than 65,000 euros in cash. The traffickers responsible for this operation will go on trial next week.
This case highlights the significant income generated by cigarette trafficking and the authorities’ determination to combat it. On Wednesday afternoon, the prosecutor’s office of Pontoise, along with the prefecture, police, gendarmerie, and customs, signed an agreement in Argenteuil to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend traffickers.
Philippe Court, the prefect of Val-d’Oise, emphasized the criminal nature of tobacco trafficking and its detrimental impact on local residents. He described the “halo of delinquency” surrounding the sale of contraband cigarettes, particularly around the stations of Arnouville, Garges-Sarcelles, and Argenteuil. In a coordinated effort, the police also conducted an operation against street vendors, occasionally seizing their stock.
The regional director of customs, Joseph Venza, highlighted the extent of the problem, stating that 1.8 tons of contraband tobacco were seized in Val-d’Oise last year. He emphasized that counterfeit cigarettes account for approximately 15% of total consumption, with the figure potentially rising to 20% in Val-d’Oise. This poses a significant public health issue and requires the control of criminal networks.
To illustrate the risks to consumers, the prefecture of Val-d’Oise had cigarettes resold under the coat in Argenteuil analyzed. The results revealed the presence of harmful substances such as mercury, hair, polypropylene, cement, lead, and even arsenic.
The Pontoise public prosecutor’s office has also taken a proactive approach to combat cigarette trafficking. Since the spring of 2022, they have implemented simplified procedures to facilitate the work of investigators. They have also introduced graduated penal responses for street vendors, including a ban on appearing on the premises for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders are brought before a delegated prosecutor, and if found guilty, they may face police custody and immediate appearance in court.
Loïc Alixant, the departmental director of the national police, praised the effectiveness of the ban on appearing, noting that some known street vendors are no longer present. However, he acknowledged that the fight against cigarette trafficking requires constant involvement and determination.
In addition to targeting street vendors and traffickers, the state services also intend to address the issue from the consumer side. They plan to fine buyers of contraband cigarettes, with potential fines of 135 euros. The aim is to discourage buyers and disrupt the delinquency associated with this illegal trade. The billboard at Argenteuil station prominently displays the fine amount, making it less profitable to purchase cigarettes at half the legal price.
Despite these efforts, the mayor of Argenteuil, Georges Mothron, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the measures taken so far. He emphasized the negative impact on the vicinity of stations, with co-owners in the neighborhood resorting to selling their properties due to the unbearable phenomenon of squatting. Verbal violence and threats have become a daily occurrence for the local population. Mothron called for accelerated action to achieve tangible results, noting that street vendors from Argenteuil are rarely repatriated to Algeria, and when they leave, they are immediately replaced.
Residents living near the stations also voiced their frustration, with one resident stating that the street vendors arrive at the station at 5 p.m. and continue their activities until 2 or 3 a.m. The constant presence of street vendors and the associated disturbances have made daily life difficult for the residents, who often face insults and verbal abuse.
The fight against cigarette trafficking in Val-d’Oise continues, with authorities determined to tackle this illicit trade and protect public health.
What measures have been implemented by the Pontoise public prosecutor’s office to combat cigarette trafficking in the region?
A major cigarette trafficking operation, which involved the smuggling of cartons of cigarettes from Belgium and their distribution by street vendors at Arnouville station, has been dismantled by the Gonesse police. This illegal trade reportedly generated up to one million euros in turnover each year. As part of the operation, more than 65,000 euros in cash were seized during a police search. The individuals responsible for the trafficking will face trial next week.
This case sheds light on the significant profits that can be made from cigarette trafficking and highlights the determination of the authorities to combat this crime. To further intensify efforts to apprehend traffickers, the prosecutor’s office of Pontoise, along with the prefecture, police, gendarmerie, and customs, signed an agreement in Argenteuil. The focus will be on tracking down and apprehending those involved in this illegal trade.
Philippe Court, the prefect of Val-d’Oise, emphasized the criminal nature of tobacco trafficking and how it negatively impacts local residents. He described the presence of a “halo of delinquency” surrounding the sale of contraband cigarettes, particularly around Arnouville, Garges-Sarcelles, and Argenteuil stations. In a coordinated effort, the police have conducted operations against street vendors, sometimes confiscating their stock.
Joseph Venza, the regional director of customs, highlighted the magnitude of the problem, stating that 1.8 tons of contraband tobacco were seized in Val-d’Oise last year alone. He emphasized that counterfeit cigarettes account for approximately 15% of total consumption, with this number potentially reaching 20% in Val-d’Oise. This presents a significant public health concern and necessitates cracking down on criminal networks.
To illustrate the risks posed to consumers, the prefecture of Val-d’Oise had cigarettes that were being resold under the coat in Argenteuil analyzed. The results revealed the presence of harmful substances such as mercury, hair, polypropylene, cement, lead, and even arsenic.
The Pontoise public prosecutor’s office has taken a proactive approach to combat cigarette trafficking. Since spring 2022, they have implemented simplified procedures to facilitate investigators’ work. They have also introduced graduated penal responses for street vendors, including a ban on entry to certain premises for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders are brought before a delegated prosecutor, and if found guilty, they can face police custody and immediate court appearances.
This article sheds light on the relentless efforts and successes in dismantling the incredibly lucrative criminal operation of cigarette trafficking. It is heartening to witness the crackdown on such activities, as it not only curbs illicit trade but also protects public health by discouraging smoking. Kudos to the diligent law enforcement agencies for their continued determination in tackling this serious issue.