Drug trafficking affects the entire territory of Corsica, including the rural central and mountainous areas. Two men were arrested on Monday morning in Olivese and Sampolo as part of an investigation into cannabis trafficking in Haut-Taravo. This operation is independent of previous drug cases investigated in the sector: in June in Petreto Bicchisano and Moca Croce, where three men were arrested and cocaine confiscated, and in May in Sainte-Marie-Ciche, where a man suspected of being the head of a network was arrested.
Significant financial movements, as well as several trips abroad.
“The investigation, launched at the end of 2025, began after several reports of drug trafficking in the Upper Taravo sector, mainly cannabis resin and herb. During the course of the investigation, the military confirmed the existence of this illicit activity, notably identifying significant financial movements and several trips abroad, particularly to the Netherlands and Spain, which were likely related to drug shipments.– indicates squadron commander Sophie Choushi, commander of the Sartain gendarmerie company.
The suspects appeared in court in Ajaccio in November.
In the operation carried out on Monday 20 July, 18 soldiers of the Sartain company were mobilized with the support of other units of the departmental group of the Gendarmerie of Corsica du Sud.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Olivese and another 35-year-old man was arrested in Sampolo. As a result of the searches, cannabis resin and herb were seized. Several consumers were also interviewed who were suspected of driving traffic with their purchases.
Squadron Leader Sushi insists that this case has nothing to do with the operation carried out in Moca Croce: “This is a completely separate investigation. It’s not the same network. Investigations revealed a different type of trafficking and a different modus operandi, especially while abroad. It is for this reason that we carried out separate legal transactions.. “If these two cases concern the municipalities of Taravo, no element allowed investigators to link them to each other.
The accused are summoned to appear in court in Ajaccio in November 2026.
This operation represents the fourth drug trafficking case investigated at the initiative of the Petreto Bicchisano brigade community in recent months. “This illustrates the gendarmes’ determination to wage a long-term fight against drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the territory’s inhabitants.“, says Sophie Choushi.