Prison Sentences Handed Down to Drug Dealers Living Lavish Lifestyle in Roussillon
Vienna, June 19 – The judicial court of Vienna pronounced prison sentences today against two drug dealers who were leading a luxurious life in the Roussillon sector. Wissem Belhocine, who has been in custody since his arrest on March 28, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, while his cousin Djessim Belhocine received a 10-month prison sentence. Both will remain in detention.
The extravagant lifestyle of the cousins, including trips to New York, helicopter tours, luxury bags, and the latest household appliances, raised suspicions about their official income. On Tuesday, March 28, seven individuals were arrested in Roussillon, Saint-Clair-du-Rhône, Vienne, Eyzin-Pinet, and Ternay (Rhône) on charges of participating in drug trafficking involving resin, cannabis, and cocaine.
The Roussillon gendarmes, with the support of the Vienna research brigade, conducted a judicial operation leading to the arrests. One of the defendants was taken from his cell in the Corbas remand center (Rhône), where he had been imprisoned since his arrest on March 2 in Valence by customs officials while transporting drugs. The 24-year-old Péageois had been under surveillance by the Roussillon gendarmes for several months, as was his 20-year-old cousin, who was released from prison in November 2022.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the two cousins, who were already known for their involvement in drug trafficking, were transporting drugs to supply the Roussillon area. Deliveries, often made by rental car, were frequent between Valence and Lyon, as well as from Grenoble to Saint-Étienne. However, the quantities transported were never large.
According to some co-defendants, the cousins were transporting a kilo of resin per evening, earning between 3,000 and 4,000 euros. Ternay was identified as a key location where the drugs were often passed on to a “nurse.” The investigation also uncovered receipts for packages from New York, including one intercepted by customs in Paris, containing herbal cannabis and derivative products such as cannabis chocolate bars. Additionally, nearly a kilo of resin, a small amount of cocaine, and 10,000 euros were discovered during the searches.
Following the end of police custody, five individuals, including the two cousins and the companion of one of them, who owns a beauty salon, were referred to the Vienna prosecutor’s office. After the case was dismissed, all five defendants stood trial on Monday, June 19. The two cousins were sentenced to prison, while the companion of the elder cousin received a 12-month suspended sentence for money laundering and non-justification of resources. The other two defendants received suspended sentences of 10 and five months, respectively.
The verdict serves as a reminder that drug trafficking will not go unpunished, even for those who attempt to live a lavish lifestyle. The successful operation conducted by the Roussillon gendarmes and the Vienna research brigade demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes and ensure the safety of the community.
Date: June 20, 2023
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During the investigation, it was discovered that the cousins were leading a lavish lifestyle that seemed incompatible with their official income. The extravagant trips to New York, helicopter tours, luxury bags, and the latest household appliances raised suspicions among law enforcement officials.
On March 28, the authorities arrested seven individuals in different locations, including Roussillon, Saint-Clair-du-Rhône, Vienne, Eyzin-Pinet, and Ternay (Rhône), for their involvement in drug trafficking. Wissem Belhocine, who had been in custody since his arrest on March 28, was sentenced to 24 months in prison. His cousin, Djessim Belhocine, received a 10-month prison sentence. Both will remain behind bars.
The arrests were made possible through a joint effort between the Roussillon gendarmes and the Vienna research brigade. One of the defendants was taken from his cell in the Corbas remand center (Rhône), where he had been detained since his arrest on March 2 by customs officials while transporting drugs.
The case highlights the success of the ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking in the region. The authorities are determined to dismantle the operations of individuals who profit from illegal activities and flaunt their wealth in a way that is completely disproportionate to their income.
The sentences handed down to the Belhocine cousins serve as a warning to others who may be engaged in similar activities. It sends a clear message that lavish lifestyles built on drug trafficking will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Law enforcement officials are hopeful that this case will contribute to a safer and drug-free community in Roussillon and its surrounding areas. The collaborative efforts between different agencies have proven to be effective in combatting drug crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
It is a victory for justice and a step towards a more secure future for the residents of Roussillon. As the battle against drug trafficking continues, the authorities remain committed to taking down individuals who contribute to the degradation of society and the well-being of its citizens.
This verdict serves as a reminder that the judicial system is dedicated to cracking down on drug dealers and ensuring public safety. The prison sentences handed down in Roussillon should serve as a deterrent to others involved in illegal drug activities.
It’s a relieving relief to see the Vienna Judicial Court delivering justice to drug dealers in Roussillon. We must continue to stand against drug-related crimes to keep our communities safe.