Reims has seen a recent crackdown on the trafficking of “Pète ton crâne” (PTC), a synthetic cannabinoid increasingly popular – and dangerous – among young people. A court in Reims delivered verdicts in a trafficking case on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, sentencing four individuals and partially acquitting another, after a lengthy hearing.
The primary suspect, already incarcerated since January 16th, 2026, received a 30-month prison sentence, with 15 months to be served. Other defendants, who were free under judicial control, received 18-month suspended sentences, with one receiving a partial acquittal. A fourth defendant was fully acquitted, as he contested accusations of transporting the instigator of the trafficking operation to Germany to obtain PTC molecules.
A Minor Seriously Intoxicated
The partial acquittal was appealed by the Reims prosecutor’s office, as was the acquittal of the defendant accused of directly encouraging a minor to use drugs. He was accused of providing a 10ml vial of PTC to a 13-year-old boy, the younger brother of one of his regular customers, in exchange for a Xbox gaming console, and accessories.
The young boy became severely ill, according to statements given to police. “He stopped eating, he spent his time vomiting. It lasted a week. He lost 10 kilos. He was very scared, he thought he was going to die,” his father reportedly told investigators.
The seller maintains he never gave the vial of PTC to the adolescent. Both he and the other acquitted defendant will have the opportunity to present their case before the court of appeal, at a date yet to be determined.
The recent case highlights a growing concern over PTC, which is consumed via e-cigarettes. Authorities warn that the drug is more potent and addictive than cannabis, and can cause serious psychiatric, cardiovascular, and kidney problems, as well as loss of consciousness, convulsions, and even comas. Overdoses have resulted in deaths in the United States and Russia.
Law enforcement in Reims dismantled the trafficking network on January 13th, 2026, leading to the arrest of five individuals. During the investigation, police seized vehicles, computer equipment, gaming consoles, an electric scooter, and €55,000 in cash. They also recovered approximately €8,000 worth of drugs, primarily PTC.
The prosecutor’s office has noted an “worrying increase” in the use of PTC across France, prompting both preventative measures and increased law enforcement efforts. The drug is often ordered through Snapchat, according to investigators.
The sentences handed down in Reims represent the latest step in a broader effort to combat the spread of this dangerous synthetic drug. The trial is scheduled for February 13th, 2026, by the Reims correctional court.
