Prosecutions are shaky: lawyers demand general acquittal

Une opération anti stups d’ampleur déclenchée à Rochebelle. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

The traffickers' ex-partners are being prosecuted, but the prosecution seems to be in difficulty. The court will have to decide on the question of the reclassification of the facts.

Today, the couples have exploded. The four ex-partners are, for the most part, still incarcerated for their participation in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Prosecuted for failure to justify resources, that is to say for having benefited from the illicit income from trafficking, the four female ex-partners are in the dock at the Alès criminal court this Friday. Marie-Sabine and Mélisande are present; Hélène and Gaëlle are not attending the debate but are represented.

Women who live on welfare

In broad terms, the defendants opt for a similar defense system. Either they do not admit the facts: “I did not know about my ex's activities. I was not aware of anything. I did not know…”, or they at least admit: “My ex drove a Porsche Cayenne and had bought me an Alfa Romeo. I knew he was dealing.”

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Gaëlle's counsel, Me Carmelo Vialette raises a major argument that embarrasses the public prosecutor: “The “failure to provide proof of income” is not the right description. Prosecute me for money laundering since I was able to access a certain standard of living. The problem is that in the absence of my client, you cannot requalify the facts.”

The public prosecutor, Abdelkrim Grini, who was not in office when the case began, is in a difficult position: “This case is an extension of drug trafficking. The choice was made to prosecute people in the immediate environment of the traffickers. They could not be unaware of this trafficking which generated profits for the entire family circle. It is still necessary to demonstrate and characterize the offense. I do not have the feeling that the prosecutions were carried out in a specifies.”

Lawyers Nordine Tria, Joris Numa and Cindy Martinez rush into the breach and demand the acquittal of their clients. “They didn't live off drug money, but on social benefits. It may not be very moral, but here, we do law”, insists Me Joris Numa.

Thus, his client, Marie-Sabine, received social benefits. Melisande and her four children, still in care, received between €1,400 and €2,200 from CAF, not counting various bonuses, particularly for the start of the school year. Gaëlle and her three children received €1,800 in social benefits. Me Carmelo Vialette warns: “If she is acquitted, her Alfa Romeo will have to be returned to her. It is not moral, but it is legal.”

The decision is deliberated until January 13.

The former companions already sentenced

In January 2022, in Alès, seven people were taken into custody as part of the dismantling of a drug trafficking network, with the Le Sagittaire bar in Rochebelle as its epicentre.

During searches of homes and premises in the dealers' district, 16,000 euros were seized, as well as 3.8 kg of heroin, 2.3 kg of cutting products, cocaine, cannabis, for a value of 200,000 euros. Around fifteen weapons of various calibers were also found.

On January 21, in immediate appearance, the manager of the bar, Pascal D., was sentenced to five years in prison. Antony B., his son, seven years, and 18 months for Erwan M..

All three were subject to continued detention and a ban on appearing in the Gard for five years. In April 2022, Rudy R. was imprisoned for two years.

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