Lyon: A network of arms traffickers, suspected of having burgled armories, dismantled (Illustration) -
French Customs
In recent months, 80 investigators have been on their trail.
A network of arms traffickers in the Lyon region, suspected of breaking and entering several armories in France and Switzerland, was dismantled on Tuesday with thirteen arrests in France and one in Portugal, French police announced on Friday.
Eleven of the thirteen arrested in France (in the Rhône and Isère) are brought to justice this Friday in Lyon, two others to be summoned later.
The arrest in Portugal concerns a 30-year-old Frenchman, against whom a European arrest warrant had been issued, the same source added.
A series of burglaries that alerted investigators
In September 2020, the central office dedicated to the fight against organized crime (OCLCO) and the research section of the Rhône, had been seized after a multiplication of burglaries of armories in France and Switzerland: "300 weapons (weapons of 'shoulder and handguns) were thus stolen,' it was pointed out to the office.
The investigation made it possible to determine that the criminals were from the Lyon region and formed "a team of drawers with a hard core and logistical assistance".
The net took place on March 9 simultaneously in France and Portugal.
This investigation mobilized under the authority of the JIRS (intergional jurisdiction) of the Rhone, "80 investigators, the gendarmes of the Rhone SR, the Raid, the GIGN, the BRI and a dog team", it was specified. police source.
Seven long guns including a Kalashnikov, ammunition, narcotics, 240,000 euros and vehicles were notably seized during this operation.
The stolen weapons were intended for organized crime, drug traffickers and gangs in certain cities, only on national territory, it was added.
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Arms trafficking
Portugal
Weapons
Lyon
Police
Miscellaneous