M
MercyNews
Home
Back
French Prefect Condemns Delogu's Cocaine Claims
Politics

French Prefect Condemns Delogu's Cocaine Claims

A political firestorm has erupted in Marseille after controversial claims about drug money being hidden in police facilities. The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has issued a strong condemnation of the statements made by LFI deputy Delogu during a campaign event.

Le Figaro2h ago
5 min read
📋

Quick Summary

  • 1LFI deputy Delogu made controversial claims about drug money being hidden in police facilities during a campaign meeting in Villeneuve-d'Ascq.
  • 2The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has condemned these statements as inflammatory and unsubstantiated.
  • 3The claims relate to the 'Trident' operation conducted by Ofast, which monitors drug-related finances.
  • 4This development adds to ongoing political tensions in the Marseille mayoral race.

Contents

The Controversial ClaimsOfficial ResponseContext of the OperationPolitical ImplicationsLooking Ahead

Quick Summary#

Political tensions have escalated in Marseille following controversial statements made by LFI deputy Delogu during a campaign event. The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has condemned the claims, which allege that drug money monitored by authorities was concealed within police facilities.

The controversy centers on remarks made by Delogu, who is also a candidate in the Marseille mayoral race, during a meeting in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. The statements reference the 'Trident' operation conducted by Ofast, the French agency responsible for monitoring drug-related financial activities.

The Controversial Claims#

During a campaign meeting in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Delogu asserted that money from drug trafficking, which was being monitored by Ofast under the 'Trident' operation, had been hidden in police facilities. The statement represents a serious allegation against law enforcement institutions.

The 'Trident' operation refers to an ongoing investigative effort by Ofast, the French agency tasked with tracking and monitoring financial flows related to drug trafficking. Ofast's role involves surveillance of suspicious financial activities linked to narcotics operations.

Delogu's claims suggest that despite official monitoring efforts, drug-related funds were allegedly concealed within premises belonging to the police. This allegation has prompted immediate condemnation from regional authorities.

The money from drug trafficking monitored by Ofast in the framework of the 'Trident' operation was hidden in police facilities.

"The money from drug trafficking monitored by Ofast in the framework of the 'Trident' operation was hidden in police facilities."
— Delogu, LFI Deputy and Marseille Mayoral Candidate

Official Response#

The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has issued a strong condemnation of Delogu's statements. Regional authorities have characterized the claims as inflammatory and potentially damaging to public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Political figures have expressed concern about the impact of such allegations on ongoing law enforcement operations and public confidence. The timing of these statements, made during a mayoral campaign, has raised questions about political motivations behind the claims.

The prefect's condemnation reflects broader concerns about the potential consequences of unsubstantiated allegations against police institutions, particularly during sensitive investigative operations.

  • Condemnation from regional prefect
  • Concerns about public trust
  • Impact on ongoing investigations
  • Political campaign context

Context of the Operation#

The 'Trident' operation represents a significant effort by Ofast to combat drug trafficking through financial surveillance. This specialized agency monitors suspicious financial transactions and patterns that may indicate narcotics-related activities.

Ofast's mandate includes tracking the movement of funds associated with drug trafficking networks, providing crucial intelligence for law enforcement operations. The agency works to identify and document financial flows that could support criminal enterprises.

Allegations that monitored funds were concealed within police facilities would, if substantiated, represent a serious breach of security protocols and institutional integrity. However, no evidence has been presented to support these claims.

The controversy highlights the complex intersection of political campaigning, law enforcement operations, and public accountability in the context of France's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Political Implications#

Delogu's statements have added political tension to the Marseille mayoral race, where he is a candidate representing La France Insoumise (LFI). The allegations against police institutions could influence voter perceptions in a city grappling with security challenges.

The controversy underscores the delicate balance between political discourse and respect for ongoing law enforcement operations. Regional authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in institutions responsible for combating organized crime.

Political analysts note that such allegations, made without supporting evidence, can undermine the credibility of both the accuser and the institutions targeted. The prefect's swift condemnation reflects institutional concerns about the potential impact on operational effectiveness.

The incident represents another chapter in the complex political landscape of Marseille, where issues of security, crime, and institutional trust remain central to public debate.

Looking Ahead#

The condemnation by the prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône signals institutional pushback against unsubstantiated allegations against law enforcement. The controversy may influence the trajectory of the Marseille mayoral campaign and public discourse on security issues.

Future developments will likely focus on whether any evidence emerges to support the claims, or whether the statements are recognized as political rhetoric without factual basis. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing political accountability with respect for law enforcement operations.

Observers will watch for potential legal or political consequences stemming from the allegations, as well as the impact on public trust in institutions tasked with combating drug trafficking in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delogu alleged that money from drug trafficking, which was being monitored by Ofast under the 'Trident' operation, had been hidden in police facilities. He made these claims during a campaign meeting in Villeneuve-d'Ascq.

The 'Trident' operation is an investigative effort by Ofast, the French agency responsible for monitoring financial activities related to drug trafficking. Ofast tracks suspicious financial transactions and patterns associated with narcotics operations.

The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has condemned Delogu's statements, characterizing them as inflammatory and potentially damaging to public trust in law enforcement institutions. The condemnation reflects concerns about the impact of unsubstantiated allegations.

Delogu is a candidate in the Marseille mayoral race representing La France Insoumise (LFI). The allegations were made during a campaign event, adding political tension to the election and raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the claims.

#Marseille

Continue scrolling for more

Politics

The key elections in Africa in 2026

Benin's parliamentary elections and Uganda's general elections, both held in January, marked the beginning of a busy and decisive year at ballot boxes across the African continent.

1h
3 min
0
Read Article
Myanmar Election: EU Remains Skeptical of Junta's Claims
Politics

Myanmar Election: EU Remains Skeptical of Junta's Claims

Myanmar's ruling military junta claims this week's elections are a return to democracy. However, European officials remain skeptical, demanding more than the junta's word to recognize the polls as free and fair.

1h
5 min
7
Read Article
EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument: A New Trade Weapon
Politics

EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument: A New Trade Weapon

A new geopolitical standoff is brewing between the United States and the European Union. The conflict centers on Greenland, with former President Donald Trump threatening tariffs and the EU preparing a powerful, unused economic countermeasure.

1h
5 min
6
Read Article
Depardieu and Paparazzo Reach Settlement After Rome Altercation
Entertainment

Depardieu and Paparazzo Reach Settlement After Rome Altercation

French actor Gérard Depardieu and veteran paparazzo Rino Barillari have resolved a legal dispute stemming from a physical confrontation in Rome. The settlement closes a chapter on the May 2024 incident.

1h
5 min
7
Read Article
Venezuelans Turn to Tether Amid Economic Instability
Cryptocurrency

Venezuelans Turn to Tether Amid Economic Instability

In the face of a crumbling economy and political turmoil, Venezuelan citizens are seeking refuge in cryptocurrency, specifically the Tether-issued USDT stablecoin, to protect their savings and facilitate daily transactions.

2h
5 min
6
Read Article
Davos 2026: Greenland Crisis Shifts Global Focus
Politics

Davos 2026: Greenland Crisis Shifts Global Focus

The annual gathering in Davos opened under a cloud of geopolitical tension, with a looming trade dispute over Greenland threatening to derail the forum's original agenda and force European leaders into emergency consultations.

2h
5 min
7
Read Article
Six Women Face Prison in $650M Bank Heist
Crime

Six Women Face Prison in $650M Bank Heist

Six former employees of Promsvyazbank and its real estate arm face serious prison time for a massive embezzlement scheme involving $650 million in loans to offshore companies.

2h
5 min
6
Read Article
France Demands €95 Million from Greybull Over Steel Collapse
Politics

France Demands €95 Million from Greybull Over Steel Collapse

The French government has launched a major legal claim against private equity firm Greybull, seeking €95 million in damages related to the collapse of the Novasco steel plant. Industry officials cite 'serious failings' in management.

2h
5 min
6
Read Article
Trump's Greenland Tariffs Torpedo US Arctic Strategy
Politics

Trump's Greenland Tariffs Torpedo US Arctic Strategy

The market reaction to the threat of tariffs on supposed allies over Greenland has been extremely telling, revealing a strategic misstep that could cost the United States its most important Arctic asset.

2h
6 min
13
Read Article
Iran Executions Surge: UN Flags Drug Offences
Politics

Iran Executions Surge: UN Flags Drug Offences

A new UN report reveals a staggering 47% of all executions in Iran during 2025 were connected to drug-related offences, raising serious concerns about the use of capital punishment as a tool of state control.

2h
5 min
14
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home