2024-11-19 05:35:00
Crack users in the Rosa Parks district (19th arrondissement of Paris), November 13, 2024. OLIVIER CORSAN / PHOTOPQR/LE PARISIEN/MAXPPP
They are probably the drug users who attract the most public attention: the “crackers”, these people consuming crack, the so-called “poor man’s” drug (cocaine to which a base has been added) in the form of small cakes inhaled using a pipe, became less visible during the Olympic Games in Paris. They are, however, far from having disappeared.
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The prefect of police, Laurent Nunès, committed to this in February: “The crack problem will be resolved before the Games. » Two months after the closing ceremony, an observation is widely shared in the ranks of associations in the sector: if no large-scale “open stage” – a place of collective consumption in the open air – has been reconstituted since the dismantling of the Square Forceval camp, in the 19th arrondissement, in 2022, street consumption continues. Still concentrated in the north-east of Paris, on both sides of the ring road.
“Pressure from law enforcement prevents any large grouping of users in one place,” explains Marie Ongün-Rombaldi, general delegate of the Addiction Federation, who recalls that it is not just a question of crack, but of polyconsumption of drugs. “During the Games, consumers hid, others went to consume elsewhereshe specifies. And then, they came back, in small groups. » In the north of the 10th arrondissement, in the east and north of the 18th, at the Porte de la Chapelle, or even in part of the 19th… A geography close to that of recent years.
“We need to get these people off the streets”
“We are first of all on a security action which only shifts the problem, whereas what is needed is a set of coordinated public policies, on the provision of care, housing, social issues…”continues the manager. Even if progress has been made in recent months, with additional accommodation places, redirections to regions for users who wish it, a few hospital beds, a few places in addiction treatment, etc.
And ” shift “ of the problem: this is what the collective of local residents “Rosa Craque” points out, mobilized in the Rosa Parks district (19th), where drug users arrived in large numbers, in the summer of 2023, while construction was taking place in the north of Paris, sports infrastructures. “A plot of land was opened this summer to “store” them, even if I don’t like the word, in a place called the linear forest”reports Ambroise Boulanger, member of the collective.
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How has the perception of crack use in Paris changed following the Olympic Games, and what are the implications for harm reduction efforts?
**Interview with Marie Ongün-Rombaldi, Coordinator for Harm Reduction Programs in Paris**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Marie. The situation regarding crack use in the Rosa Parks district has garnered attention recently. Can you explain the current state of crack use in Paris, especially after the Olympic Games?
**Marie Ongün-Rombaldi:** Thank you for having me. While there was a noticeable reduction in visibility of crack users during the Olympic Games, this doesn’t mean the problem was resolved. As we see, users are still present, particularly in the north-east areas of Paris. While large public consumption areas haven’t re-emerged since the dismantling of the Square Forceval camp in 2022, street consumption continues discreetly.
**Editor:** You mentioned that there has been an avoidance of large gatherings of users. What has led to this change, and how are users coping?
**Marie Ongün-Rombaldi:** The increased pressure from law enforcement has certainly played a role in preventing large groups from forming. Users are often forced to find quieter, less visible spots to consume. This can lead to increased health risks as they might not have access to support services or safe environments for consumption.
**Editor:** The Prefect of Police had expressed a commitment to resolving the issue before the Games. What is your assessment of the government’s approach and its effectiveness?
**Marie Ongün-Rombaldi:** The intention was good, but the reality is more complex. While there were efforts to manage the situation, solutions must involve long-term support and harm reduction strategies, not just increased policing. The dismantling of camps did not address the underlying issues of addiction and homelessness.
**Editor:** What kind of support do you think is necessary to help those affected by crack use in Paris?
**Marie Ongün-Rombaldi:** We need comprehensive harm reduction programs that provide medical, psychological, and social support. Access to mental health services, rehabilitation programs, and community resources can make a significant difference. It’s also essential to include those with lived experiences in the development of these programs, ensuring they are relevant and effective.
**Editor:** Thank you, Marie, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that there is much work to be done beyond mere visibility.
**Marie Ongün-Rombaldi:** Thank you for highlighting this important topic. Addressing drug addiction requires ongoing dialogue and a holistic approach to health and support services.
