Marseille Drug Gang Crackdown Nets over 100 Arrests
Following a series of successful investigations, Marseille authorities have dealt a significant blow to the notorious drug trafficking gang, DZ Mafia. Since October 1st, a massive operation has resulted in over 100 arrests, with more than 100 indictments issued.
Broadening Criminal Network
During a press conference, Marseille Prosecutor Nicolas Bessone highlighted the increasing reach of the DZ Mafia, noting its involvement in crimes extending beyond traditional drug trafficking. Two recent high-profile cases have shed light on the gang’s expanding influence and its ties to more conventional criminal activities.
“These cases demonstrate the diversification of this criminal organization’s activities,” stated Bessone, referring to an attack targeting a vehicle meant for rapper SCH, in which one of the artist’s companions was killed, and witness testimonies pointing to extortion of the owner of a nightclub, restaurant, and several businesses in Marseille.
He added, "Members of the team who attacked the car Rapper SCH was in were the same individuals who threatened the owner of the nightclub. This shows a clear connection and demonstrates the group’s ability to project itself beyond its region of origin”
Of the 44 individuals indicted in these two cases, 31 were placed in pre-trial detention, and 13 are under judicial supervision.
Serious Threats Against Prison Officials
In a concerning development, the Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed that a leader of the DZ Mafia already in custody was allegedly involved in recent death threats against the director of the Marseille Baumettes Prison and one of her deputies.
The two prison officials, temporarily relieved of their duties and placed under police protection, described by the Ministry of Justice as an “exceptionally serious” situation.
Friday evening, the Marseille prosecutor’s office announced the indictment and provisional incarceration of two men, aged 17 and 21, apprehended armed in the prison area in possible connection with this latest threat.
Deadly Toll Rises
The violence associated with the escalating drug turf wars in the Marseille region has claimed 23 lives since the beginning of the year. This follows a horrifying year in 2023, where drug-related violence resulted in 49 deaths in Marseille alone, marking a bloody record.
The incessant bloodshed reflects the brutal battle for territory between the DZ Mafia and another powerful drug trafficking gang known as Yoda. While the DZ Mafia appears to have emerged victorious from this gang warfare, the city remains gripped by fear and law enforcement continues its relentless crackdown on organized crime.
How has the DZ Mafia’s criminal activity diversified beyond traditional drug trafficking?
## Cracking Down on Marseille’s DZ Mafia: An Interview with Marseille Prosecutor Nicolas Bessone
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today, Prosecutor Bessone. Marseille authorities have had some significant victories recently against the DZ Mafia. Can you tell us more about this ongoing operation?
**Prosecutor Bessone:** [Turning to the camera] We’ve been working for months on a major operation targeting the DZ Mafia. Since October 1st, we’ve made over 100 arrests and issued more than 100 indictments. This is a significant blow to this criminal organization.
**Host:** It seems the DZ Mafia is not just involved in drug trafficking anymore?
**Prosecutor Bessone:** That’s correct. We’ve seen a disturbing trend of the DZ Mafia diversifying their criminal activities. They are extending beyond traditional drug trafficking and are now involved in more conventional crimes.
**Host:** Can you give us specific examples?
**Prosecutor Bessone:** Recently, there was a shocking attack targeting a vehicle meant for rapper SCH, resulting in the death of one of his companions. [1](https://www.lefigaro.fr/marseille/marseille-qui-se-cache-derriere-la-dz-mafia-et-yoda-ces-gangs-auteurs-de-sanglants-reglements-de-compte-20240128) We also have witness testimonies linking the DZ Mafia to extortion of a local businessman who owns a nightclub, restaurant, and several other businesses in Marseille.
**Host:** These are serious allegations. How do you plan to tackle this wider scope of criminal activity?
**Prosecutor Bessone:** We are committed to using all available resources to dismantle the DZ Mafia completely. This includes continued investigations, collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, and working closely with the community to build stronger neighborhoods.
**Host:** Thank you, Prosecutor Bessone, for your time and insights. It’s clear that Marseille authorities are taking decisive action against this organized crime group. We wish you the best in your ongoing efforts.
