Drugs search uncovers missing Picasso masterpiece in Paris

In a surprising turn of events, Paris police stumbled upon a valuable stolen Picasso painting while executing a search warrant related to a drug investigation. The raid, conducted Monday in Champigny-sur-Marne, southeast of Paris, was targeting a 37-year-old man suspected of being a "semi-wholesaler" of drugs.

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The search warrant was executed on Monday in Champigny-sur-Marne, southeast of the center of Paris, as reported by the French newspaper Le Parisien.

During the search, officers found not only cannabis, luxury clothing, and significant amounts of cash but also the Picasso artwork. The painting is believed to be a portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter, one of the artist's muses, created between 1927 and 1935. Its estimated value ranges from 12 to 15 million euros, and the prosecutor's office has confirmed its authenticity.

The alleged drug dealer reportedly worked for a Paris-based company that specializes in storing valuable art. It is believed he may have taken the painting from his employer. The company has since initiated an audit, and the suspect allegedly told police he wanted to expose security weaknesses at his workplace.

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The painting is potentially worth between 12 and 15 million euros.

Authorities arrested a total of four people in connection with the broader investigation into theft and handling stolen goods. The discovery highlights the intersection of criminal activities and the high-value art market.

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The suspect himself reportedly claimed to the police that he wanted to expose the weak points in the security of his employer.