On June 22, 2026, a man charged with possession of 375 kilograms of cannabis exploited a legal loophole to disappear from the Montauban courthouse before the verdict was delivered. The defendant, whose identity has not been publicly released, faced a sentence of three years in prison and a fine of 60,000 euros.
According to judicial sources, the individual was present for the trial but left the courtroom during a recess before the judge's deliberation. French law does not require the accused to remain present for the verdict, allowing him to evade immediate detention. Authorities have launched a search, but his whereabouts remain unknown as of this report.
The case has sparked debate about legal procedures in France, with some legal experts calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents. The Montauban prosecutor's office confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
