Overview

• Petrus was stopped on May 4 at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle with 22 kg of undeclared tobacco valued at €14,250 in her luggage.
• Under a provision for seizures below 150 cartons, she accepted a ‘transactional arrangement’ that halted further legal action.
• The Les Républicains senator said she carried the cigarettes as a favor and defended it as a widespread Antilles practice of transporting parcels for acquaintances.
• Petrus personally covered the fine and later requested reimbursement from the person who entrusted her with the suitcase.
• The episode has triggered scrutiny of her judgment and renewed debate over customs resources in her Saint-Martin constituency.