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.
What are the potential long-term consequences of the DZ Mafia’s weakened state for Marseille’s criminal underworld?
## Marseille Cracks Down on Deadly DZ Mafia
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Marseille has been plagued by violence and drug trafficking for years, but authorities seem to be scoring some major victories lately. Joining us today to discuss the recent crackdown on the notorious DZ Mafia is investigative journalist, **Alex Reed**. **Alex Reed**, thanks so much for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s get right into it. Over 100 arrests have been made in just a few months – a remarkable sweep for law enforcement. Can you tell us more about this operation?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This operation has been ongoing since October 1st and it’s been meticulously planned and executed. Marseille Prosecutor Nicolas Bessone has been instrumental in coordinating this campaign. They’ve been targeting the DZ Mafia, a gang known for its involvement in drug trafficking, but as investigations have shown, their criminal activities extend far beyond that. [[1](https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/bouches-du-rhone/marseille/narcotrafic-a-marseille-blacks-dz-mafia-yoda-ce-que-l-on-sait-des-gangs-qui-se-font-la-guerre-3042654.html)]
**Host:** That’s right. The article mentions the DZ Mafia’s involvement in the attack on rapper SCH’s entourage and the reported extortion of a local business owner.
**Alex Reed:** Exactly. These cases highlight the gang’s willingness to branch out into more conventional criminal activities, demonstrating their growing influence and ambition. Extortion, violence, it’s all part of their twisted modus operandi.
**Host:** Prosecutor Bessone called the DZ Mafia a “criminal organization”. Would you characterize them as such, and what does that imply about their structure and operations?
**Alex Reed:** Yes, definitely. They operate more like a well-organized business than a typical street gang. They have clear hierarchies, established networks for drug distribution, and now, as we see, they are expanding into more lucrative criminal enterprises.
**Host:** This crackdown is obviously a major win for Marseille. But what are the long-term implications? Can we expect this gang to simply regroup and reorganize?
**Alex Reed:** That’s the million-dollar question. While these arrests are undeniably a setback, it’s likely the DZ Mafia will try to rebuild. They are deeply entrenched in the city’s underworld. Law enforcement will need to remain vigilant and continue to disrupt their activities to truly dismantle this dangerous organization.
**Host**
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, **Alex Reed**. This is certainly a developing story, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on it.
**(Outro Music)**
