A 44-year-old Monegasque taxi driver has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found slumped behind the wheel of his running vehicle while under the influence of drugs and medication. The case, originally reported by Monaco-Matin, also involved the discovery of cocaine, cannabis products and several weapons during searches of his vehicle and home.
The driver was discovered by officers from Monaco’s Public Security Department at around 5:45am on Wednesday, October 28, near the Wurtemberg roundabout, close to the border with Cap-d’Ail. He was found collapsed against the steering wheel, with the engine still running, and was taken into medical care. Tests subsequently returned positive for drugs, although his condition meant he could not initially be questioned in police custody.
During questioning, he explained that he had started work at around 9pm the previous evening and had driven customers towards Nice. Following a disagreement with his partner over the telephone, he said he had obtained cocaine before returning to Monaco, where he consumed the drug alongside medication, including anxiolytics and codeine-based Dafalgan, in quantities exceeding his prescriptions. Cannabis was also detected in subsequent analyses.
Good Morning Monaco ☀️
The day’s Monaco news in your inbox every morning. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
🔒 We won’t spam you or sell your data. Changed your mind? Unsubscribe with one click at the bottom of any email.
A search of his vehicle and home uncovered 4.75 grammes of cocaine, medication, vaping products marketed as CBD but containing a reported THC concentration of 88%, and several items classified as category C weapons. These included pepper spray, a butterfly knife and a realistic-looking pistol designed to discharge an irritant liquid.
The case was brought before Monaco’s Criminal Court on Friday, October 30, under legislation introduced following a road-safety law passed by the National Council in late 2025. The legislation provides for tougher penalties for professional transport drivers found operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with prison sentences ranging from six months to three years.
The defendant, who has worked as a taxi driver in Monaco for approximately ten years, admitted the offences and apologised to the court. He described a difficult personal and financial situation and acknowledged that his drug consumption had become a serious problem, reportedly costing him close to €1,000 each month – around a quarter of his salary.
The court also heard details of previous convictions. He had been sentenced in France for serious speeding and drug-impaired driving in 2021 and 2022, while Monaco’s courts had handed him a two-month suspended sentence in October 2023 for drink-driving. At that time, he had been given the opportunity to undergo treatment and supervision.
The prosecution argued that his professional responsibilities made the offences particularly serious. Christine Mutiloa, representing the prosecution, described him as a repeat road offender and called for an immediate prison sentence, the cancellation of his driving licence and confiscation of the seized items. She also raised the possibility of prohibiting him from working as a taxi driver.
His defence lawyer, Maeva Zampori, highlighted her client’s depression and family difficulties, arguing that he was remorseful and willing to enter rehabilitation. She asked the court to consider a suspended sentence with supervision, giving him an opportunity to address his addiction and rebuild his life.
The judges ultimately imposed the eight-month prison sentence sought by the prosecution, together with the cancellation of his driving licence and a one-year prohibition on reapplying. They also ordered that he be banned from working as a taxi driver for five years.
