Toulouse: the police arrest several cigarette sellers in the Saint-Michel district
During surveillance, the police managed to identify several cigarette sellers in the Saint-Michel district in Toulouse. Many residents or traders report various nuisances linked to the presence of these resellers of contraband cigarettes or narcotics.
Noise pollution, degradation, feeling of insecurity … For many weeks, residents, traders and passers-by have been complaining about many inconveniences in the Saint-Michel district in Toulouse linked to the presence of various people involved in drug trafficking but also contraband cigarettes. Co-ownership trustees report damage or the presence of individuals in common areas, for example.
In the Saint-Michel district, an operational partnership group (GPO) bringing together different actors such as residents, the municipality, the municipal police or even traders and led by the national police is currently in place in the district in order to respond to these various issues. “In direct response and within the framework of this GPO, the police very regularly carry out operations in this sector”, slips a police source. This week, the police of the Specialized Field Brigade (BST) supported by those of the astounding unit of the right bank carried out surveillance on strategic places with the sole objective of “providing concrete answers to the issues raised” . And this operation has borne fruit. A first 29-year-old individual was arrested on Wednesday by the police. He was caught selling contraband cigarettes. During his search, officials found a few cartridges of cigarettes and a few grams of cannabis resin. This man was taken into custody.
A stolen computer and a hundred prescriptions
On the same day, still during this discreet surveillance, another 23-year-old cigarette seller was arrested. A search was reported and the police found ten cartridges of cigarettes, 300 euros in cash, cannabis resin but also a computer from a theft as well as a hundred prescriptions stolen during a theft. trailer committed in the vehicle of a doctor. At the same time, two buyers of tobacco sold illegally were also picked up by the police. Finally, still in line with this police action, a third seller, aged 21, was taken into police custody. About twenty packs of cigarettes on him. The three individuals in an irregular situation in the national territory. Investigations are continuing and the police continue to patrol this area.
GPO, what is it?
Operational partnership groups (GPOs) are led by the national police in coordination with the municipalities. The partners change depending on the sector and the issue. It may be the social landlord, the Tisséo transport authority for Toulouse and its agglomeration, an association of traders, the border police or even customs. Every two weeks or every month, meetings are organized with the partners. For example, a GPO has been set up in the Arnaud Bernard district in Toulouse. There are currently 9 operational partnership groups in the police area of the department, Saint-Gaudens territory included.
