After a two-day trial, the Reims criminal court on 13 January 2026 convicted five men who ran the Champagne Connection, a home-delivery cannabis network advertised on Telegram.[1][2]

Julien Hoareau, 31, known as “le H”, was sentenced to five years in prison for directing the ring; prosecutors had sought eight years and later told L’Union they would not appeal.[1] His brother Thomas received three years with two firm, co-defendant Oussama Kobadi the same, Ayoub Anebri two years, and the fifth man at most six months firm, against requisitions of up to seven years.[1][2] France 3 reported that only Julien Hoareau remained in custody once time already served was counted.[2]

Investigators estimated turnover at €865,000 from March 2019 to November 2023 and said raids had seized 43 kg of cannabis they valued at €500,000, including more than 160 plants in a northern Reims warehouse in June 2022.[1][2] Deliverers were paid €100 a day and customers identified themselves with ID copies on Snapchat, according to the court coverage.[1][2]

Hoareau told the court he managed logistics but denied being the true boss, citing fear of reprisals if he named those he worked for.[1][2] Substitute prosecutor Alexandre Djindian said the profile of educated, non-consuming defendants showed “drug trafficking can touch anyone” when money and control are at stake.[1]