Cancelled Flight in Nice Leads to Drug Trafficking Sentences in Monaco

Two men arrested in Monaco for drug trafficking received heavy prison sentences following an incident that began with a canceled flight in Nice. When their travel plans to Paris were disrupted by bad weather on September 26, the duo from the French Riviera opted to spend their unexpected free time around Menton after acquiring around 500 euros worth of narcotics, including cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, from Nice's Moulins district.

Monaco's local authorities detained the pair after finding nearly €6,000 concealed in their clothing. During the court proceedings, the main defendant argued that the narcotics were for personal use, citing an ongoing battle with addiction, a claim that failed to sway the magistrate who highlighted his history of similar offenses. Compounding their legal woes, the driver, already under a suspended sentence and with a revoked license, admitted to having consumed cannabis prior to driving.

The court, led by prosecutor Christine Mutiloa, rejected claims of personal use, suggesting the quantity of narcotics indicated an intent to distribute. Consequently, the primary defendant received a two-year sentence, while the driver was sentenced to six months. Both were also banned from Monaco for ten years and fined €300. The defense has signaled plans to appeal, arguing the punishment's severity does not align with the crimes committed, underscoring Monaco's strict approach to drug enforcement.