Bedbugs Infest Nantes Central Police Station, Forcing Closures and Relocations

Nantes' central police station is grappling with an unwelcome infestation of bedbugs, disrupting operations and raising concerns for officers. The problem became apparent early Thursday morning, with the administrative detention area (LRA) being the first to show signs of the pests. This modular building, used for holding undocumented immigrants, is located within the courtyard of the Waldeck Rousseau police station.

"Colleagues in the cells are monitoring the LRA, so there are bedbugs in the cells too," a police source told Le Figaro. Consequently, both the LRA and the detention cells have been closed. Individuals in custody have been transferred to other police stations across the city. Officers have been instructed to wear white protective suits to avoid contact with the insects.

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Colleagues in the cells are monitoring the LRA, so there are bedbugs in the cells too.

A decontamination operation took place on Thursday to disinfect the premises. While detainees are being gradually returned as of Friday, the LRA remains closed until at least Saturday. The departmental police union, Alliance 44, reacted to the situation, demanding an urgent intervention. They also called for a clear and reactive departmental protocol to ensure immediate action in case of future infestations, emphasizing that "the health and safety of colleagues cannot wait!"

The infestation is also impacting the Nantes judicial court, where detainees are brought. Video conferences are now the preferred method of communication to prevent any spread of the pests. The situation highlights the challenges faced by public facilities in dealing with such infestations, even in secure environments.

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The health and safety of colleagues cannot wait!