Nearly 2,270 packets of contraband cigarettes seized in one year in Nice

The loot, spread out on several tables in the town hall, represents part of the illicit products seized in one year.

Since June 2024: nearly 57 kg of tobacco (2,268 packs of cigarettes), 573 electronic cigarettes, 50 boxes of nicotine, 300 ml of liquid nicotine, 105 canisters of nitrous oxide, 46 sachets of aphrodisiac honey, collagen, keratin, sun creams not authorized in France...

So many goods that do not comply with the law, sold at low prices by unscrupulous retailers, will end up in customs, with a visa for incineration or other destruction system.

133 arrests for illegal tobacco sales

The toxic treasure on display at the town hall is the result of "meticulous" work by the joint intervention unit, congratulates Anthony Borré, first deputy mayor responsible for security, alongside Pierre Romero, president of the Alpes-Maritimes tobacconists' federation, and Pierre Buisson, director of the unit created more than ten years ago and composed of municipal police officers and personnel specially trained in hygiene and sanitation as well as administrative matters.

Among the actions carried out by the unit is the hunt for the sale of illicit tobacco. With it, all substances that ruin health and harm "legitimate" traders. "The municipal police are not there to fight smuggling, but in practice, they do," emphasizes Christian Estrosi's right-hand man. In one year: 133 arrests for illicit tobacco sales.

Unannounced checks

Generally, seizures are carried out thanks to local residents who spot groups around businesses. Unannounced checks follow. Vieux-Nice, Gambetta, Port… "There will be many more this summer," promises Christian Estrosi's right-hand man.

Several grocery stores and convenience stores are in the city's sights, and the city says it is "in talks with the owners of the buildings to evict the managers."