“If I had known, I would have asked to be tried directly…”: drug trafficking in the north of Gard and disagreement between defense lawyers

The four defendants were to be tried at the Alès courthouse. MIDI LIBRE – CHARLES LEDUC

A drug case, uncovered in the Barjac center, could have been tried this Monday, January 20 before the Alès criminal court, but a defendant, placed under judicial supervision, decides otherwise. Clearly wrongly…

A tip that reached the gendarmes had launched investigations that led to the discovery of drug trafficking, mainly cannabis but also cocaine, in the heart of Barjac, a town located in the north of the Gard. The alleged dealers had apparently been operating, at least since April, between Place Joseph-Comte and Rue des Glycines. Four suspects, all domiciled in the town and aged between 20 and 29, were arrested last week; three were placed in pretrial detention on 17 January, while the fourth was placed under judicial supervision.

The prosecution is against the case being separated

While everyone is gathered before the Alès criminal court on Monday, January 20, to be tried immediately, the latter, unlike the others, is requesting, as the law allows, more time to prepare his defense, his counsel, Sophie Bonnaud, not being available. From the outset, Quentin Larroque, for the prosecution, is against the separation of the case, does not oppose this 27-year-old defendant remaining under judicial supervision (he had asked on Friday that he go to the cell, but notes that he showed up at this hearing and therefore thinks that he will be in the dock for his trial) and requests that his accomplices remain in detention.

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“I find it lacking in brotherhood”, says Me Mendez

The lawyers of the three detainees are up in arms. Defending one of them, Me Karim Derbal tells the judges: “Either you judge him today, or you let him out.” “I was not informed in front of the request for referral”, Me Florence Mendez is offended. “I find it lacking in brotherhood. And it's easy to ask for an adjournment when your client is out…” “That says it all!”, concludes Me Gilbert Bekale.

The police come to get the fourth defendant

After a period of deliberation, the magistrates adjourn this case to February 17. Until then, they leave the three who were already in prison in prison… and also send to the cell the one who had been placed under judicial supervision at the end of last week. As two officers from the Alès police station approach to take him to the Nîmes remand center, this Barjacois lets slip: “If I had known, I would have asked to be judged directly…”

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