Issued on: 08.11.2024 – 08:06

2 minutes

The illicit drug trade, now estimated to generate between €3.5 billion and €6 billion annually, has sparked brutal wars between rival criminal networks.

In MARSEILLEwhere gang scoring has been particularly deadly, authorities are alarmed by the growing involvement of teenage killers as young as 14.

“The state is losing its grip. It is only a matter of days before someone in the justice chain is kidnapped or killed,” a lawyer specializing in drug cases told the French news agency AFP.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Didier Migaud were tasked by the prime minister to provide “clear directives for the immediate mobilization and increase of resources,” the French daily reported. Le Figaro reported.

Retaileau has promised a “long and relentless war” on drug trafficking, with new legislation expected in early 2025, addressing what he describes as “Mexicanization” of France.

He wants the government to take up and strengthen the proposals of a Senate inquiry into the impact of narcotics.

Migaud, echoing Retaileau’s position, called for a “very strong response from the state” as part of what has been a predominantly security-focused approach to drug problems for more than 30 years.

Trial involving former French mayor reveals drug traffickers’ control over small towns

“Violence begets violence”

Retaileau’s commitment to tougher measures was not without its critics.

“There is a general push for repressive policies. But if we don’t adapt the punishments, the problems will not be solved,” a magistrate who worked intensively on narcotics cases told AFP.

He warned that “violence begets violence” and criticized past high-profile drug operations such as that of former interior minister Gérald Darmanin “XXL net place” initiative – a large-scale operation launched by the government to combat drug trafficking and increase public safety in Marseille – calling it “pure spectacle” that failed to address the fundamental problems.

“It’s like chasing pigeons – don’t get rid of them. It’s just a political show,” the magistrate said.

Some decision-makers are in favor of expanding the powers of the French anti-narcotics agency, Offensivesuggesting that it might function more like the United States’ federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Police are making nearly 200 arrests in massive anti-drug operations across France

But others say Ofast’s role in judicial matters is already extended and that other powers could conflict with France’s legal structure, which places judicial oversight under the authority of prosecutors and investigating judges.

Recent events underline the scale of the crisis, such as the escape of high-profile criminal Mohamed Amra – which led to the death of two prison officers – and a public “press conference” by the DZ Mafia gang in Marseille. They illustrate that “institutions are no longer safe,” a judicial expert told AFP.

Former justice minister Eric Dupond-Moretti previously floated the idea of ​​a dedicated national criminal prosecution office – an idea that attracted some support.

Migaud agreed that this “could be a solution”, but ultimately said the decision should be left to parliament.

(with AFP)