Major food brands sue drug dealers for «counterfeiting».»

A French network of cannabis traffickers is currently being prosecuted for, among other things, hijacking famous brands to market their products.

Haribeuh and Nutellhash

This group of traffickers sold their products in bags parodying the visual identity of well-known companies. These packages, labelled with names such as «Haribeuh», «Nutellhash» and «Shitkers», imitated the design of well-known snacks such as Snickers and Nutella.

According to the prosecution, this approach gave the group a competitive advantage in the cannabis trade, by increasing sales and profits thanks to the appeal of brands emblematic.

Fifteen companies, including March, Johnson & Johnson and Ferrero, have filed a civil suit against the network, claiming damage to their brand's reputation and violation of their intellectual property rights. their intellectual property rights. The packaging was apparently created by an underground marketing agency called Surprise pouch, which worked in close collaboration with the Caliterter, located in Villejuif, south of Paris. Paris.

During the trial, the Haribo underlined «the’ingenuity of the accused».», acknowledging the sophisticated marketing techniques used in the cannabis operation. «They came to use Haribo's reputation in the sale of narcotics,» he remarked, while humorously referring to himself as “Haribeuh's” lawyer before correcting his slip of the tongue. Despite this moment of levity, the seriousness of the case was not lost, as the attorney having recalled the harmful effects of drug trafficking and its contribution to wider criminal activity.

The authorities believe that the cannabis network generated over 860,000 euros revenue by using counterfeit brands. The head of Surprise pouch, a Spanish resident who has failed to appear in court, risks a four-year prison sentence. Lesser sentences were recommended for others involved in the network, including those responsible for producing promotional material, some of which featured characters known to the Simpsons.

The prosecution argued that this illicit activity is more than just a simply a clever marketing operation. It represents a major threat to society, and its impact on young people is particularly worrying.

«Drug trafficking is not a game,» stressed the prosecutor, emphasizing the dangers of this criminal enterprise.

A well-organized network

The Caliterter drug trafficking, located place du Moutier in Villejuif, presented a highly structured organizational model. According to the investigators, the network was run like a legitimate business, with a clear hierarchy involving a CEO, A management team, logisticians and field workers. Despite numerous arrests, including several members already convicted in previous trials, the group continued its activities.

The presumed leader of this operation, alternately known as « Kirikou »or « Remontada Max94 », was apprehended during a major raid in 2022. However, authorities believe he continued to run the network while incarcerated at the Meaux prison. The public prosecutor has requested 10 years' imprisonment and 50,000 euros’ the alleged ringleader, while his lieutenants face sentences of up to three years' imprisonment. 8 years' imprisonment.

The trial is due to end shortly, with the court set to deliver its verdict on the fate of the defendants.

In the United States, some legal cannabis companies have also had to change the names of some of their varieties following lawsuits from better-known brands: La Girl Scout Cookies - now GSC - the Gorilla Glue - now GG4 - or the Zkittlez has become The Original Z.