On 9 October 2026 a joint check of an epicerie in Les Sables-d’Olonne (Vendée) was carried out by the customs external surveillance brigade, the gendarmerie, CELTIF 85 and the DGCCRF, as part of a departmental anti-fraud committee (CODAF) operation.[1]
Officers found nearly 135 kg of illicit tobacco on the premises: 73.68 kg of hookah tobacco, 39.68 kg of cigarettes (198 cartons), 21.43 kg of rolling tobacco and 12 grams of cigars.[1] In addition to the tobacco, officers seized nearly 2 kg (1.975 kg) of cannabis resin already packaged for resale.[1]
The intervention was part of Operation Colbert IV, a nationwide drive on tobacco supply networks run 7 to 15 October 2026.[1] In the Pays de la Loire region the customs services launched 31 day and night operations during Colbert IV.[1]
Across the region the operation led to 14 arrests and 256 kg of tobacco seized, with the Les Sables-d’Olonne seizure alone accounting for more than half the regional volume.[1] Region-wide officers also intercepted 2.419 kg of drugs (cannabis, cocaine, ketamine), 670 counterfeit items and 11,930 euros in cash, and a request was made to administratively close one shop.[1]
