French police uncover unknown Picasso painting during drugs raid
French police have discovered a previously unknown work by Pablo Picasso during a drugs raid in a Paris suburb, prompting an investigation into possible art theft and money laundering. The painting, found on Monday in Champigny-sur-Marne, was seized along with large quantities of cannabis, cash, and four suspects, according to the French public prosecutor’s office .
The artwork, whose details have not been disclosed, is believed to be a portrait worth millions, French media reported on Sunday. Prosecutors in Val-de-Marne opened an inquiry into theft and handling of stolen goods after the discovery, which occurred during a narcotics operation at a private residence . Police did not confirm the artist or title, but multiple outlets cited unnamed officials as saying the canvas bore Picasso’s signature style.
The timing of the find coincides with a separate international drugs crackdown. On Saturday, El Salvador announced the seizure of more than 6.6 tonnes of cocaine, the largest haul in its history . Swedish media identified a man known as “El Sueco,” long wanted by Interpol, as a key figure in the network and reported his arrest in Colombia on Friday . Swedish police described him as coordinating cocaine shipments to Europe and Dubai.
French authorities have not linked the Picasso discovery to the drugs case, but prosecutors said the investigation would examine whether the painting was connected to criminal proceeds. The canvas was found in a house searched as part of a narcotics probe, French newspaper *Le Monde* reported .
Picasso’s works have repeatedly surfaced in unexpected places. In 2023, a long-lost sketch was recovered from a German apartment, and in 2021, a stolen Picasso portrait was returned to a Spanish museum after a decade missing. Art crime experts note that stolen masterpieces are often used to launder illicit funds, making their discovery during drugs raids less surprising than it may appear.
The French public prosecutor’s office declined to comment on the estimated value of the newly found painting or its provenance. Investigators are expected to release further details in the coming days as forensic analysis continues.
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