This week, two investigations conducted by the Alpes-Maritimes police services have put an end to various traffics. The first revealed the existence of a clandestine workshop for producing fake documents. The second led to the arrest of a man involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Here’s a summary of these cases.
The first investigation began with a vehicle check in Vallauris last Sunday. A patrol from the Antibes Anti-Crime Brigade was conducting a vehicle check. On board were a driver and a passenger. The officers quickly detected a strong suspicious odor and discovered a piece of resin on the driver. The passenger was in possession of a knife and a tear gas canister. The driver did not have a license and was in an irregular situation on French territory. Both occupants were taken into custody.
Searches conducted by the border police subsequently uncovered a full-fledged fake document manufacturing operation. In the driver’s home, investigators discovered 25 Belgian identity cards, 33 Italian residence cards and permits, as well as 15 Spanish and Portuguese cards. The seized materials were varied: thermal sublimation printer, UV illuminator, blank cards, laptop, signal jammer, and prepaid bank cards. Everything needed to produce and use fake documents.
A second search, this time at the passenger’s residence, led to the discovery of a 9 mm blank automatic pistol and its ammunition. The interrogations of the first two detainees confirmed the existence of a network located between Vallauris and Antibes, providing fake documents to irregular immigrants.
The investigation established the involvement of a third individual. In her apartment, police found 100 grams of cannabis resin and nearly 1,000 euros in cash. The woman admitted to consuming cannabis but denied any involvement in selling it. In an irregular situation, she admitted, however, to having considered obtaining fake documents from the driver.
The three arrested individuals were already known to the police for various offenses: violence, possession of weapons, driving without a license, and drug use.
Following the investigations, the driver and the third woman were brought before the Grasse judicial court on September 11, 2025. They will have to answer a series of charges, including the production and use of fake administrative documents, aiding illegal entry or residence, and weapon possession. The driver is also facing charges for driving without a license and drug use. The passenger has been summoned before the prosecutor’s delegate for carrying weapons. The seized fake documents have been sealed for expertise, while the weapons and drugs have been destroyed.
Drug Seizure and Money Laundering in an Antibes Residence
A few days later, on September 13, another case mobilized the police services. Based on information from a local resident, the Antibes Security and Proximity Group placed a technical room of a residence under surveillance. A strong smell of cannabis was emanating from it, masked by air freshener.
After several hours of observation, an individual arriving on a scooter attempted to enter the room with his keys. Upon his arrest, he violently resisted and struck an officer in the face.
The search conducted by the narcotics brigade uncovered more than 12 kilos of cannabis resin, nearly 570 grams of herb, and 1.3 kilos of cocaine. Packaging equipment, a scooter, and 845 euros in cash were also seized.
The suspect, a manager of a sandwich shop, underwent a search at his business. Investigators noted concealed work activities there and suspect money laundering. Analysis of his phone revealed four encrypted channels dedicated to drug selling, accounting elements, and the identities of potential clients and resellers.
A request for administrative closure of his establishment was submitted to the Grasse sub-prefecture. The suspect was brought before the Grasse judicial court. He was placed in provisional detention for six months, renewable as part of a judicial investigation.
These two investigations, conducted a few days apart, highlight the diversity of trafficking in the Alpes-Maritimes. Whether it’s fake documents or drugs, police services emphasize their commitment to continuing investigations to prevent the development of these networks.
