Drug raid in Champigny-sur-Marne uncovers stolen Picasso portrait worth millions
A drug raid in a Paris suburb unexpectedly turned up a stolen Pablo Picasso painting worth millions, authorities said on Saturday.
The discovery
On Monday, French police raided a home in Champigny-sur-Marne, east of Paris, as part of a drug trafficking investigation. They expected to find narcotics, and indeed seized 20 kilograms of cannabis, luxury clothing and several thousand euros in cash. But the search also yielded an unexpected prize: a painting later confirmed to be an authentic Pablo Picasso.
The artwork
The Créteil prosecutor's office confirmed the painting is a genuine Picasso, though no title was officially disclosed. According to the daily Le Parisien, the work is a portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter, the French model who was Picasso's muse and inspiration for numerous works. The painting had been stolen from a storage facility in Paris, although it remains unclear when the theft occurred. Its value is estimated in the millions of euros.
Investigation and arrests
Following the discovery, French authorities opened an investigation into theft and handling stolen goods. Four suspects were arrested and brought before a court in Créteil on Friday in connection with the drug case. The prosecutor's office declined to provide further details about the suspects or the specific charges.
