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 does the DZ Mafia’s expansion into other criminal activities, such as extortion and violence against public figures, impact the overall fight against organized crime in Marseille?
## Marseille Cracks Down on Notorious DZ Mafia
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We’re joined today by Jean-Pierre Dupont, a leading Marseille crime analyst, to discuss the recent crackdown on the notorious DZ Mafia. Over 100 arrests have been made – a major victory for authorities. Jean-Pierre, can you shed some light on the significance of this operation?
**Jean-Pierre Dupont:** Absolument. This is a huge blow to the DZ Mafia, a gang known for its ruthlessness and control over Marseille’s drug trade. These arrests are the culmination of months, if not years, of meticulous investigation by Marseille authorities.
**Interviewer:** Prosecutor Bessone, during a press conference, highlighted the DZ Mafia’s expanding criminal activities. Can you elaborate on that?
**Jean-Pierre Dupont:** Indeed, it seems the DZ Mafia isn’t just content with drug trafficking anymore. Prosecutor Bessone specifically mentioned two cases: a violent attack targeting rapper SCH’s entourage, resulting in a fatality, and allegations of extortion against a prominent Marseille businessman. This demonstrates a dangerous shift towards more conventional crime, indicating the gang’s ambition to exert power beyond the drug market. [[1](https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/01/inside-marseilles-deadly-drug-wars-why-are-youths-killing-youths)].
**Interviewer:** So this operation goes beyond just dismantling a drug ring; authorities are targeting the broader criminal network fueled by the DZ Mafia?
**Jean-Pierre Dupont:** Precisely. This is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of violence and fear that has gripped parts of Marseille. Disrupting the DZ Mafia’s finances and operations, alongside pursuing their involvement in other criminal activities, sends a powerful message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
**Interviewer:** Do you think this crackdown will significantly impact the drug trade in Marseille?
**Jean-Pierre Dupont:** It’s certainly a significant setback for the DZ Mafia. However, as history has shown us, these organizations are resilient and often have contingency plans in place. Continuous vigilance and proactive policing will be essential to ensure that this operation translates into lasting change.
