Tipping point: How drug trafficking became a ‘national cause’ in France

Lara BULLENS

14 November 2024 at 12:59 pm·1-min read

In this file photo, a police officers points to cocaine bags seized from local dealers in Marseille on February 25, 2021.

France is grappling with an alarming surge in drug-related violence, from grisly murders in Marseille to deadly clashes in smaller towns. As criminal networks thrive, the government has declared the fight against trafficking a "national cause" – but experts warn the crisis may be spiralling beyond the control of law enforcement.

Reports of drug-related violence have littered French headlines in recent weeks. A teenage boy was stabbed 50 times and burned alive in a drug-related killing in Marseille last month. A few days later, a 36-year-old football player was shot in cold blood by a minor. The murders both took place in Marseille, the country’s second-largest city, but also one of its poorest – and currently the epicentre of gang violence linked to drug trafficking.

Cannabis and cocaine are the drugs most consumed by the French population.

Australian Associated Press
Levi upstaged as USA repeat Olympic win over Aussies
Australia's rugby women have been beaten in the semi-finals of the Cape Town Sevens, losing their Olympic rematch with the USA.
Australian Associated Press
PM's character in question in latest poll
While Anthony Albanese remains Australia's preferred prime minister, his character has been called into question in the latest Newspoll.
Australian Associated Press
Piastri targets 2025 title after Abu Dhabi anti-climax
Oscar Piastri has vowed that it's not only his teammate Lando Norris who'll be shooting for the world drivers' title in McLaren papaya next year.
Australian Associated Press
Whakaari volcano survivors re-gather in New Zealand
Jesse Langford, who lost his mother, father and sister in the 2019 White Island eruption, is reportedly returning to New Zealand for the five-year anniversary.
Australian Associated Press
Exciting ending to South Africa-Sri Lanka Test looms
Sri Lanka need 143 to win the second Test against South Africa with five wickets still standing in what promises to be an exciting finale at St George's Park.
Australian Associated Press
No panic in India camp despite Test loss: Sharma
India's captain Rohit Sharma says he's not overly worried by a heavy loss to Australia in the second Test in Adelaide.
Australian Associated Press
Carer, student, youth support payments set to grow
Young Australians, students, carers and other who receive government support allowances will take home more as indexation increases their payments.
Australian Associated Press
Rough sleeping surges as homelessness crisis worsens
The number of Aussies sleeping rough has surged over the last three years according to a new landmark report into homelessness across the nation.
Australian Associated Press
Tax on large withdrawals floated to future-proof super
Tax tweaks have been floated to ensure Australia delivers on its newly legislated objective for the super system: delivering income for a dignified retirement.
Australian Associated Press
Renewable energy trounces nuclear on generation costs
Solar and big batteries are the cheapest option to power homes and businesses, the nation's experts insist, as the stoush over ending the nuclear ban heats up.
Australian Associated Press
Trains back on track in NSW as Fed Court intervenes
The NSW government has been granted a Federal Court injunction to stop industrial action by the rail union after wage negotiations broke down again.
Australian Associated Press
Community mourns second teen killed in methanol tragedy
A teenager who died alongside her best friend from methanol poisoning while on holidaying overseas will be remembered in a community service.
Australian Associated Press
Police meet to determine motive for synagogue fire bomb
A synagogue will be rebuilt "bigger and better", a board member says, as police continue their hunt for the pair who set it on fire.
Australian Associated Press
Boland could be unlucky again despite Adelaide spell
Paceman Scott Boland's return to the Australian Test team is set to be short lived, with Josh Hazlewood expected to be fit for the third Test against India.
Australian Associated Press
More people unemployed for longer as opportunities wane
Australians dependent on unemployment payments are finding it even harder to get a job as positions disappear and structural barriers remain.
Australian Associated Press
Norris wins Abu Dhabi GP as McLaren celebrate F1 crown
Lando Norris has won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to ensure McLaren lifted the F1 constructors' title.
Australian Associated Press
American Veerman wins in Sun City from five behind
Johannes Veerman has won the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City after starting the final round from five shots behind.
Australian Associated Press
Dean hat-trick inspires England women to beat S Africa
England spinner Charlie Dean has taken a hat-trick to help her side crush South Africa by six wickets in their Durban ODI.
Australian Associated Press
Phoenix upset Roar, Western pile pain on Sydney in ALW
Wellington have upset Brisbane in the A-League Women, while Western United piled more pain on Sydney FC and Adelaide beat Newcastle.
Australian Associated Press
Romanian democracy 'cancelled' with election: candidate
A court's decision to annul Romania's ongoing presidential election is a blow to democracy, the pro-Russian candidate who was leading the first-round vote says.

Latest stories