France anti-drugs activist says will not be silenced after brother's murder • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Drug-related violence: The escalating issue of violence linked to drug trafficking in France, particularly in Marseilles and Grenoble.
• Targeting of family members: A new and concerning trend where the families of anti-drug activists are being targeted, not just the activists themselves.
• "Chicago of the Alps": A moniker for Grenoble, highlighting its emergence as a significant drug trafficking hub due to the relocation of drug barons from Lyon.
• OFAS (Office Anti-drogue): The French anti-drug office responsible for seizures and investigations.
• PNACO (Parquet National Anti-Corruption et de Lutte contre le Crime Organisé): A proposed national prosecutor's office against organized crime.
• Juvenile delinquency and drug peddling: The debate surrounding the age of criminal responsibility for minors involved in drug trafficking.

Escalating Drug Violence in France

The transcript details the alarming rise in drug-related violence across France, with a particular focus on Marseilles and Grenoble. This surge in crime has prompted a high-level government response, including a meeting at the Élysée Palace and planned visits by the Interior and Justice Ministers to Marseilles.

Case Study: The Kasachi Family A poignant example illustrating the severity of the situation is the murder of 22-year-old Medi Kasachi, whose younger brother was shot dead in Marseilles. This incident is particularly significant because Medi's elder brother, Amin Kasachi, is a prominent anti-drug activist. Amin had previously joined the Green Party and become a militant against drug trafficking after his elder brother was killed in a drug-related incident in 2020. The assassination of Medi, who had no direct involvement in the drug trade, marks a disturbing shift in tactics by criminal organizations. Previously, those directly confronting the drug business were targeted; now, family members are being victimized to silence or intimidate activists.

Resident Reactions Marseilles residents express deep fear and despair. One woman states, "This is yet another victim and there will be more. So, it's a very sad day for the city where I was born and which I love... we are terrorized." Another resident laments, "I'm devastated and at the same time distraught. Things like this happen almost every day. Innocent people dying all because of drug traffickers."

Drug Trafficking Hubs and Government Response

Grenoble: The "Chicago of the Alps" Grenoble, in southeastern France, is identified as another major drug center. It has earned the nickname "Chicago of the Alps" because many drug barons who previously operated in Lyon have relocated there. Its proximity to Italy facilitates easier movement and command of drug operations across France.

Accusations of Neglect There are accusations that the French leadership has not paid sufficient attention to the increase in drug trafficking, suggesting that resources and focus might be better allocated, perhaps drawing parallels to the attention given to terrorism.

Former Interior Minister's Warning Former Interior Minister Bruno Le Maire had warned that France was on a trajectory to become a European drug hub comparable to Mexico. While acknowledging the increased sophistication and violence of drug operations in France, the report clarifies that the situation is not yet as dire as in Mexico. However, the methods employed, including intimidation and ultra-violent shootings, bear similarities.

Government Actions and Challenges The French government states it is doing its utmost, but there is a widespread feeling that more needs to be done.

• Budget: 1.8 billion euros annually are allocated to the fight against drug trafficking.
• Personnel: 6% of police and Gendarmerie forces are dedicated full-time to drug-related investigations and arrests.
• OFAS Achievements: The OFAS (Office Anti-drogue) has reported significant increases in drug seizures:
  • Cocaine seizures are up by 130% in the last year.
  • Synthetic drug seizures have increased by 120% over the past five years.
• Challenges: Despite increased seizures, more drugs are entering the country. While half of the drug selling points have been shut down, some key areas, particularly in the northern suburbs of Marseilles, continue to operate in a cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

Future Government Initiatives President Macron is scheduled to visit Marseilles next month to announce the establishment of PNACO (Parquet National Anti-Corruption et de Lutte contre le Crime Organisé), a national prosecutor's office dedicated to combating organized crime. This office will comprise 17 magistrates and specialized officers. Additionally, two new high-security prisons are slated to open next year, aiming to increase the capacity for inmates considered dangerous drug traffickers from the current 140 to 500.

Shifting Criminal Organization and Juvenile Involvement

A significant shift in criminal organization is observed, with many drug barons operating from outside France, even overseas, making their apprehension more difficult. These leaders are increasingly using younger individuals, some as young as 15 or under, to peddle drugs. This is partly because of the current legal limitations on arresting very young offenders.

Debate on Juvenile Criminal Responsibility This trend has sparked a significant debate across Europe regarding the age at which children can be arrested for drug peddling.

• Sweden: Discussions are underway to consider arresting individuals under 13.
• Ireland: Children can be arrested from the age of 10 for serious offenses like murder, rape, or corruption.
• France: The current age of criminal responsibility is higher, but the recent shooting of a 13-year-old near a drug peddling center has intensified the debate about lowering the age or implementing stricter measures for minors involved in drug trafficking.

Conclusion

The situation in France regarding drug-related violence is deteriorating, characterized by increased brutality and a disturbing new tactic of targeting family members of activists. While the government is implementing measures such as increased seizures and new organizational structures like PNACO, the challenges of organized crime operating from abroad and the exploitation of young people for drug peddling remain significant. The debate over juvenile criminal responsibility is likely to intensify as authorities grapple with these evolving criminal strategies.