Overview
- The Cross 76 operational intelligence cell in Seine-Maritime activated phone 06 38 17 68 00, with WhatsApp and Signal available for anonymous photos, videos, or tips.
- The channel is directed at port professionals after police identified fishermen as particularly targeted to retrieve cocaine bales at sea for large payments and under threat.
- Fishing representatives report no messages sent so far and describe reluctance to use the line due to fears of retaliation and social stigma.
- The initiative follows an April operation announced by the Rennes prosecutor that seized about 800 kilograms of cocaine and led to arrests including several fishermen in Normandy ports.
- UN and French drug-monitoring data show maritime routes dominate cocaine entry into France, reinforcing intensified coastal intelligence and sea patrols.