The Minister of Justice, Eric Dupond-Moretti, announced the creation of a National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (Pnaco) on April 28, in addition to the existing National Financial Prosecutor’s Office and National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office. This new initiative aims to address the significant challenges posed by organized crime in France, particularly in relation to the drug trade. The Minister also proposed the establishment of a genuine witness protection program inspired by the Italian model. These measures are seen as a response to the increasing influence of organized crime in one of Europe’s largest markets.
The drug trade in France supports an estimated 200,000 people and generates revenues exceeding 3.5 billion euros annually, although this figure is likely underestimated. Individual drug dealing points can bring in more than 50,000 euros per week, highlighting the lucrative nature of the illegal drug market. Cocaine consumption in France reached 2.1 million people in 2020, while the country leads in cannabis consumption with 44.8% of 15-64 year olds reported using the drug. These statistics underscore the significant impact of drug trafficking on society and the need for effective measures to combat this pervasive issue.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), global drug consumption has increased by 23% in the past decade, with over 296 million people using drugs in 2021. The number of individuals suffering from drug-related disorders has also risen by 45% over the same period, totaling 39.5 million. The report emphasizes the importance of law enforcement adapting to evolving criminal economic models and the proliferation of cheap and easily marketable synthetic drugs. Coordination and cooperation between international agencies are essential to effectively combat drug trafficking and its associated crimes.
Transparency International, an NGO, has been working with Interpol and the UNODC on the Crimjust project since 2016. Funded by the European Union, the project aims to reduce the impact of organized crime and corruption on security and the rule of law in countries affected by drug trafficking in Africa and South America. Initially focusing on enhancing the technical capabilities of investigative services in these countries, Crimjust has subsequently sought to facilitate international cooperation in criminal matters, particularly in conducting cross-border asset investigations to dismantle criminal networks. This collaborative approach is crucial in tackling the global reach of drug trafficking and corruption.
In response to the growing challenges posed by organized crime and drug trafficking, the French government is taking steps to strengthen its law enforcement capabilities and address the root causes of criminal activities. By establishing new specialized prosecutor’s offices and implementing witness protection programs, the authorities aim to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating in France. International cooperation, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Crimjust project, will also play a critical role in combating drug trafficking on a global scale. The fight against organized crime requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the supply and demand aspects of the drug trade while promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement efforts.
