The European News Network reported that at the end of July 2025, the French Office for the Fight against Drugs and Addiction (Ofast) released a report laying bare the grave situation of drug trafficking in France. The following is a detailed introduction to the content of the report and its impact:
Grim Reality of Drug Proliferation: As disclosed by Le Monde, under the manipulation of violent criminal gangs, there is scarcely a “drug – free zone” left throughout France. Interior Minister Bruno Le Retaillieu described the drug – abuse phenomenon as a “white tsunami” in the report and sternly warned that it has become a “survival threat” to France. In the first half of 2025, the authorities seized 37.5 tons of cocaine, a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2024, reaching an all – time high. Rocuni, the deputy director of Ofast, said that the record – breaking seizure indicates that drugs are nearly ubiquitous in France.
Manipulation of Drug Market by Criminal Gangs: The report also uncovered that the French drug market is firmly in the hands of powerful local criminal gangs. In some areas, absurd phenomena have emerged: drug – trafficking gangs send letters to residents, promising to provide “services” such as shopping and house repair in exchange for the acquiescence of community residents to drug – trafficking activities. This shows that criminal gangs have infiltrated communities to a certain extent and attempt to gain a foothold through such means.
Use of Violence to Maintain “Order”: Violence has become a common means for criminal gangs to maintain “transaction order”. The report shows that since 2021, the number of murders and attempted murders caused by drug deals in France has increased by 33%, and the cost of hiring a hitman ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 euros. The increase in violent incidents indicates that the struggle for interests in the drug market is becoming increasingly fierce, and criminal gangs are using extreme means to ensure their interests.
Far – reaching Impact of the Drug – trafficking Crisis: The drug – trafficking crisis in France not only poses a serious threat to social security but also has a negative impact on the lives and mental health of citizens. For example, in some areas, due to the continuous escalation of drug – related violent crimes, local governments have had to impose curfews on minors. In Nîmes, Gard, in southern France, since the evening of July 21, 2025, unaccompanied minors under the age of 16 have been subject to a curfew, and about 60 police officers have been arranged to enforce the curfew policy to “end this series of violent incidents”.
Measures and Calls for Combating Drug – trafficking: In the face of the severe drug – trafficking situation, the French government is under huge pressure and needs to take more effective measures. It is reported that the French Senate will review and is likely to approve a cross – party bill on the fight against drug trafficking, which includes measures such as strengthening the French anti – narcotics agency, creating a national prosecutor’s office specializing in drug trafficking, and stepping up financial investigations to target traffickers’ assets. At the same time, the international community also needs to strengthen cooperation to jointly combat transnational drug – trafficking crimes and safeguard global peace and security.
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