In 2015, the judicial police seized drugs, cash, and weapons in a building in Egly, Essonne. The building, located in the Le Tiec neighborhood, had three floors and three entrances. Most of the windows had been bricked up, except for a few on the right side. A young man stood on the porch, acting as a lookout for illegal activities happening inside. The mayor of Egly, Edouard Matt, explained that the building had been closed off by the landlord, but a section was left open for workers renovating the neighborhood, leading to it becoming a drug dealing hotspot.
The social housing group Valophis made the decision to demolish the building in order to improve the living conditions in the area. The building was part of a complex of 500 social housing units surrounded by green spaces and a central square. All the tenants had been relocated, and the workers would be moving to a new location in early 2025. The building would be sealed off and then demolished. The director of Valophis, Farid Bouali, emphasized the need for local authorities to take action against illegal activities, as they had the power to do so. Mayor Edouard Matt, who had been living in the neighborhood since 1985, took the issue of drug dealing seriously and was committed to addressing it.
Edouard Matt, who became mayor in 2020 but had been a municipal councilor since 1995, had witnessed the changes in the neighborhood over the years. He noted the influx of new populations and the rise of drug activity, replacing the former residents who worked for the SNCF until the early 2000s. Approximately a quarter of the 6,800 inhabitants of Egly lived in the area affected by drug dealing. Matt affirmed his determination to tackle the issue and work towards restoring safety and peace in the neighborhood. The mayor recognized the challenges but remained committed to finding solutions to combat drug trafficking.
Despite not having direct law enforcement powers, Farid Bouali stressed the importance of local authorities taking responsibility for addressing drug-related issues in their communities. He emphasized the role of mayors in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents by working closely with law enforcement agencies and social organizations. Bouali acknowledged the efforts made by Egly’s mayor, Edouard Matt, in addressing the drug problem in the neighborhood and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between various stakeholders to create a safe and secure environment for all residents.
