What began as a cancelled flight in Nice ended in heavy prison sentences for two men arrested in Monaco for drug trafficking.
The incident unfolded on September 26 when two individuals from the French Riviera, frustrated by the cancellation of their flight to Paris due to bad weather, decided to make the most of their free time by indulging in an evening of revelry around Menton. Before heading out, they made a detour to the Moulins district in Nice to stock up on various narcotics worth around 500 euros, including cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA.
Their unexpected route took them to Monaco, where local authorities apprehended them after discovering nearly €6,000 hidden in their clothing. In court, the main defendant tried to justify his possession of the drugs by claiming they were for personal use only, citing an addiction he struggled to overcome despite seeking medical help. His explanation, however, did not convince the magistrate, who pointed out his previous convictions and repeated offenses for drug trafficking.
Adding to their troubles, the vehicle’s driver had his license revoked and was under a suspended sentence. Despite this, he was behind the wheel, having recently smoked cannabis. His lawyer argued that the charges were blown out of proportion, considering the small amount of drugs found.
The prosecutor, Christine Mutiloa, based her case on the fact that the quantity of narcotics found suggested intent to distribute rather than personal use. The court agreed, handing down a two-year prison sentence for the primary defendant and six months for the driver. Both men were also given a ten-year ban from Monaco’s territory and fined €300.
Following the verdict, the defence lawyers announced their intention to appeal, insisting that the sentences were disproportionate to the crimes committed. For now, the case serves as a reminder of Monaco’s stringent stance on drug-related offenses, regardless of circumstances.
