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In Villeurbanne, the Anti-Narcotics brigade dismantles All Drug-Dealing spots in the Tonkin district

Saturday 11 October 2025 - 07:30

By: Sahili Aya

In Villeurbanne, the Anti-Narcotics brigade dismantles All Drug-Dealing spots in the Tonkin district

The anti-drug brigade deployed in Villeurbanne’s Tonkin district less than a year ago has succeeded in dismantling all eight drug-dealing points that once plagued the neighborhood, according to the Rhône prefecture.

The last two trafficking hubs were taken down this week, marking a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in this Lyon suburb, long troubled by shootings and turf wars between rival dealers.

Prefect Fabienne Buccio praised the efficiency of the brigade during a visit to the area on Friday, noting that two major investigations carried out this week led to multiple arrests and the final closure of the remaining points of sale.

Earlier in the week, seven individuals were arrested in connection with a trafficking network operating from 4 rue Jacques Brel, a notorious spot for drug dealing. Three adults accused of managing and supplying the site have been placed in pre-trial detention and will face trial on December 10. Two others were sentenced to six and twelve months in prison, respectively, after pleading guilty, while two minors were placed under judicial supervision with a ban from the city of Villeurbanne.

Authorities confirmed that all eight known drug-dealing points have now been eliminated thanks to coordinated police work. The prefecture emphasized that these long-term judicial operations complement the brigade’s daily presence in the field.

A large-scale “reinforced city security” operation also took place earlier this week, involving 176 national police officers, local municipal agents, and RATP personnel. Between Monday and Wednesday, 2,163 people were checked, resulting in 29 arrests for offenses including drug trafficking, money laundering, rebellion, and breach of judicial control.

Police also seized €9,700 in cash and recorded 134 violations, ranging from drug possession and illegal weapons to noise disturbances and traffic offenses.

While no violent reprisals have been reported following the dismantling, local authorities remain cautious. “We’re staying vigilant,” said a prefecture source, noting that drug-dealing operations have sometimes resurfaced within days in the past.