Marseille Grapples With Surge in Drug-Related Violence
Since October of this year, a crackdown on the Marseille drug trafficking organization known as DZ Mafia has resulted in 119 arrests. Authorities say the investigation revealed a diversification of the organization’s activities, extending beyond drug trafficking to include traditional banditry. More than 100 individuals have been indicted as a result of the operation.
During a recent press conference, Marseille’s public prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, highlighted two particularly illustrative cases linked to the DZ Mafia. These cases involved a shooting targeting a car believed to carry rapper SCH, which in the end resulted in the death of one of SCH’s associates. This incident occurred on August 26 outside a night club in La Grande-Motte. The investigation revealed a connection to an extortion scheme targeting the owner of a nightclub, restaurant, and several businesses in Marseille, demonstrating the organization’s growing influence.
“Common sponsors" were identified in connection with these two incidents. “This demonstrates the relentless expansion of this criminal. It shows the group’s venture out of its traditional sphere,” said Bessone. “Forensic investigations revealed members involved in the attack on the vehicle which was intended to carry SCH were the same individuals who threatened the owner of the night establishment,” the prosecutor added, emphasizing the group’s blatant disregard for the law and its ability to permeate different areas.
Of the arrests, forty-four individuals were indicted. Thirty-one individuals were placed in pre-trial detention and thirteen remain under judicial supervision.
Among the individuals indicted is a senior member of the DZ Mafia. He is suspected of issuing threats against the director and deputy director of Marseille’s Baumettes prison.
These individuals found themselves in a “CONTRACT” situation that necessitated their temporary removal from their respective positions and placement under protection. On Friday evening, two men, aged 17 and 21, were apprehended while armed within the prison complex, further highlighting the expanded reach and temerity of this organization.
The alarming escalation of violence attributed to the DZ Mafia has resulted in twenty-three deaths since January, according to Agence France-Presse. This follows a 2023 that saw 49 fatalities directly related to drug trafficking.
The violence primarily stems from a brutal turf war between the DZ Mafia and another powerful drug trafficking organization known as Yoda. Although the DV Mafia ultimately gained the upper hand in their brutal struggle for control
This ongoing situation underscores the complexities of this criminal landscape and the challenges authorities face. The fight against this incidence of violence requires collaborative efforts, sophisticated investigative techniques, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Marseille’s residents.
How has the DZ Mafia’s activities expanded beyond traditional drug trafficking?
## Marseille Drug Wars: A Deadly Expansion
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Nicolas Bessone, Marseille’s public prosecutor, to shed light on the recent surge of drug-related violence plaguing the city. Mr. Bessone, thank you for joining us.
**Nicolas Bessone:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Marseille has seen an alarming escalation in violence linked to drug trafficking. Could you elaborate on the situation?
**Nicolas Bessone:** Indeed, we are facing a serious challenge. Our crackdown on the DZ Mafia, a major drug trafficking organization, has uncovered a disturbing trend.
**Interviewer:** What have your investigations revealed about this organization’s activities?
**Nicolas Bessone:** What started as a drug trafficking operation has evolved into something far more dangerous. The DZ Mafia is now actively engaging in traditional banditry, like extortion and violence, reaching far beyond their original scope. [[1](https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/01/inside-marseilles-deadly-drug-wars-why-are-youths-killing-youths)]
**Interviewer:** Can you give us an example of this expansion?
**Nicolas Bessone:** Certainly. Recently, we uncovered two cases linked directly to the DZ Mafia. The first involved a shooting targeting a car believed to be carrying rapper SCH, resulting in the death of one of his associates. This took place outside a nightclub in La Grande-Motte on August 26th.
**Interviewer:** A shocking act of violence.
**Nicolas Bessone:** Indeed. Further investigation revealed a connection to an extortion scheme against a local businessman. This demonstrates the alarming involvement of the DZ Mafia in various illicit activities beyond drug trafficking.
**Interviewer:** And what about the larger picture?
**Nicolas Bessone:** 119 arrests have been made since October, and over 100 individuals have been indicted in connection with these operations.
We’ve identified “common sponsors” linking these seemingly disparate incidents, demonstrating theDZ Mafia’s relentless expansion and venture out of their traditional sphere. [[1](https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/01/inside-marseilles-deadly-drug-wars-why-are-youths-killing-youths)]
**Interviewer:** This is certainly a complex and disturbing situation. What steps are being taken to address this issue?
**Nicolas Bessone:** We are committed to dismantling these criminal operations and bringing those responsible to justice. This operation is ongoing, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of citizens of Marseille.
