Cops Make Staggering Surprise Discovery in Drug Raid

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French police unexpectedly discovered a stolen Picasso painting while conducting a narcotics raid in the Paris suburbs.

Officers were searching a home belonging to the aunt of a suspected drug dealer in Ormesson-sur-Marne when they came across the canvas.

The painting has been authenticated but not publicly identified.

The police union Alliance Police Nationale said it is worth “tens of millions” of euros, with French media reporting that it may be valued between €12 million ($13.7 million) and €15 million ($17.1 million).

It is believed to be one of Pablo Picasso’s 1937 portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, his muse and lover.

The work was reportedly being stored on behalf of a private owner, identified by Le Parisien as a Singaporean woman.

A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

He is believed to work as a security guard for an art storage firm and allegedly admitted taking the painting, claiming he wanted to expose security flaws at the company.

The suspect has been charged with theft and drug offenses.

His lawyer denies the allegations.

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