French Drug Raid Uncovers Stolen Picasso Worth Millions

A French police operation targeting drug trafficking in Val-de-Marne, near Paris, on June 15 led to the discovery of a stolen Pablo Picasso painting valued between €12 and €15 million. The artwork belonged to a collector from Singapore and had been stolen from a specialized art storage company in Paris. It was found at the home of the aunt of a 37-year-old suspect, who worked at the storage company and is accused of being a medium-scale drug distributor. Six people were arrested, and authorities seized 17 kg of cannabis, €7,000 in cash, and €200,000 in luxury clothing. The suspect admitted to removing the painting from the company, claiming he intended to expose security flaws. He faces separate investigations for drug trafficking and art theft. The storage company has launched an internal audit. The drug trafficking case has been partially adjourned until August, while the art theft investigation continues independently.