International Drug Ring Busted: Oise Man Jailed for Spain-Morocco Cannabis Trafficking

After more than a year of investigations, the police arrested Sofiane H. on July 7th last. During the searches of his home, as well as that of his mother, located in a nearby municipality, the investigators discovered small quantities of drugs: 50 g of ecstasy and 60 g of cannabis, a scale and firearms ammunition. His trial took place on Monday. On this occasion, he defends himself from being a drug dealer. According to his explanations, he buys the grass for his personal consumption. "I sometimes sell a few times," he admits before the Compiègne court, but to a "restricted circle," two or three friends at most. Unconvincing words in the eyes of the judge. He questions him about his multiple trips, including very isolated places, in the Oise and in the Paris region, but especially his suspicious round trips to Morocco and Spain. In response, the defendant defines himself as a "wanderer," always at friends’ or traveling.

He may deny any active participation in any large-scale trafficking. But several videos taken from Spain showing him next to large quantities of cannabis were found on his phone. Other messages indicate that he is in charge of packing his bags close to 100 kg of grass. "He has a major responsibility in this traffic. The photos, videos and conversations show that he has a quasi-criminal role in the organization," argues the prosecutor. He adds: "There are more disturbing soundings with stories of retaliation. He is not just a trafficker, he is someone who has been convicted multiple times for violence."

Based on this evidence, the Compiègne court sentences Sofiane H. to 4 years in prison with continued detention and a criminal fine of 5,000 euros.