Heavily Armed Men Arrested Near Lyon Perrache Station, Preventing Potential Carnage
Lyon, January 19, 2025 – A major tragedy was potentially averted in Lyon as police arrested five heavily armed Colombian nationals near the Perrache train station on the night of Sunday, January 19. Police sources, cited by AFP and confirming information from Le Monde, indicate that the individuals were suspected of preparing a gangland killing on behalf of drug traffickers.
Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
A commando of four men was apprehended inside a stolen car near Perrache station. A fifth man was subsequently arrested in an apartment believed to have served as their hideout. Investigations revealed that the suspects maintained two residential bases, one in the 2nd and another in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon.
The suspects, reportedly aged between 25 and 30, were arrested just as they were departing a parking lot after hours of waiting. This suggests a meticulously planned operation that was intercepted by law enforcement.
Links to La Duchère Drug Trafficking War
These arrests are believed to be connected to an ongoing territorial war over drug trafficking, originating in the La Duchère district of Lyon’s 9th arrondissement. This area has been a focal point for intense criminal activity related to narcotics.
The complex affair is reportedly orchestrated by Karim Ben Addi, also known as “Fiston.” Ben Addi, currently incarcerated in Colombia, is suspected of remotely directing a series of criminal actions across a wide geographical area around Lyon. He is subject to an Interpol red notice and may soon be extradited to France.
Ben Addi faces charges of ‘homicide and attempted homicide by an organized gang,’ stemming from accusations of masterminding shootings in the La Duchère district against police officers and rival factions. His arrest in Colombia on October 25, 2022, followed the issuance of the Interpol red notice.
This is not an isolated incident. Towards the end of 2024, two former Colombian soldiers, also suspected of being hitmen, were arrested in the suburbs of Lyon, highlighting a pattern of foreign involvement in local organized crime.
Police Vigilance Prevents Further Violence
The swift action of the police in intercepting these heavily armed individuals underscores the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and drug-related violence in Lyon. The nature of the weapons and the suspects’ intentions suggest that a significant violent event was imminent, which was successfully prevented by law enforcement. The operation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking and the dedication of police forces to maintain public safety.
Authorities continue their investigation into the network and motives behind this planned attack, aiming to dismantle the criminal organizations involved and bring all responsible parties to justice. The incident highlights the intricate links between international criminal networks and local drug wars, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies.
The general public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, as community cooperation plays a crucial role in preventing crime and ensuring the safety of the city.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-des-hommes-lourdement-armes-arretes-pres-de-perrache-un-carnage-evite-de-justesse_63719925.html
