The mayor of Avallon, in Yonne, has been placed under investigation in connection with a drug trafficking investigation and placed in provisional detention, the Auxerre prosecutor’s office announced on April 10th, three days after the discovery of 70 kilograms of cannabis “mainly at the home” of the elected official. Alongside Jamilah Habsaoui, a left-wing mayor, five other people have also been placed under investigation and detained as part of the same judicial investigation, according to Auxerre prosecutor Hugues de Phily. Those implicated were presented to an investigating judge after the opening of a judicial investigation on Wednesday morning.
Nearly 70 kilograms of cannabis, 983 grams of cocaine, 20 gold bars. Jamilah Habsaoui was arrested, along with six other individuals, on Sunday during an operation that resulted in the discovery of nearly 70 kilograms of cannabis, 983 grams of cocaine, 20 gold bars, and over 7,000 euros in cash. The seizures were made in multiple locations, including a house owned by the elected official, at City Hall, and in a pharmacy where she works. Out of the seven individuals taken into custody on Sunday, one was released “rapidly” for medical reasons, while the custody of the other six, including the mayor and two of her brothers, was extended until Wednesday.
Jamilah Habsaoui, 46 years old, a former member of the Socialist Party (PS), also serves as a regional councillor responsible for rural affairs in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a region in France. She is a member of the majority supporting President Marie-Guite Dufay (PS). Born in the popular and cosmopolitan neighborhood of La Morlande, she is often seen as a symbol of integration. The area is characterized by high-rise social housing estates, contrasting with the rest of Avallon, a town of 6,000 inhabitants that is typical of the touristy region of Bourgogne.
The details of the case point to a significant drug trafficking operation involving various individuals, including the mayor and members of her family. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities will be looking into the extent of the drug network and the involvement of each individual implicated. The arrest and detention of a mayor for drug trafficking have generated shock and disbelief among the residents of Avallon, as well as among political leaders in the region. The case has also raised concerns about the integrity of public officials and the prevalence of drug-related activities in small towns and rural areas.
The political implications of the mayor’s arrest are significant, as it reflects poorly on the reputation of the governing party and raises questions about the oversight and accountability of elected officials. The case has also sparked debates about the effectiveness of law enforcement measures against drug trafficking and the need for stronger regulations to prevent such activities. The legal proceedings will shed light on the extent of the drug network operating in Avallon and whether there are other individuals involved in similar criminal activities. Ultimately, the case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and local authorities in combatting drug trafficking in small towns.
