On April 7, French investigators announced that police had arrested the Mayor of Avallon, Ms. Jamilah Habsaoui, after searching her home and discovering at least 70 kg of cannabis resin.

Speaking to reporters, Prosecutor Hugues de Phily said Ms Habsaoui's home was one of the targets of a police raid following a weeks-long drug investigation in the city of Avallon.

Ms. Habsaoui has been Mayor of Avallon since 2021 and is also a Regional Councillor.

City Hall and the pharmacy where the mayor once worked were also searched, Mr. Phily said.

Arrested with Ms. Habsaoui were her two brothers and four others.

Investigators also discovered and seized 983 grams of cocaine, 7,000 euros ($7,700) in cash and about 20 gold bars.

The raid in Avallon is part of a nationwide campaign to crack down on drug trafficking that is on the rise in French cities.