Marseille, France’s second-largest city, is at the center of a brutal drug war. Recent violent incidents, including the murder of a 15-year-old boy who was burned alive and a 14-year-old hitman hired via social media, have sparked national outrage.
Escalating Violence in Marseille
Marseille prosecutors describe the situation as having reached an “entirely different level.” The city’s ongoing gang war between rival groups DZ Mafia and the “New Blacks” has recently led to two gruesome murders. Both incidents are linked to a territorial dispute over a drug-dealing hotspot in the city’s 3rd district.
In the first case, a 15-year-old boy was hired by a gang member from prison to set fire to a rival’s door for €2,000. However, the plan went awry when rival gang members discovered the boy’s weapon. He was then stabbed and burned alive.
Child Hitmen and Social Media Recruitment
Shortly after, a 14-year-old was hired by the same gang member to kill a rival for €50,000. Despite a history of rehabilitation attempts, the young boy accepted the offer and, with a friend, shot a 36-year-old taxi driver who refused to comply with their demands. The gang member who orchestrated the crime has been charged, and the child was later arrested.
The Role of Social Media
French authorities have expressed concern over how drug traffickers target vulnerable youths through platforms like Snapchat. These young recruits are often lured into violent gangs through promises of easy money.
Political Struggle and a Multi-Billion Euro Drug Market
France’s drug market is estimated to be worth €3 billion annually. In Marseille alone, law enforcement agencies conduct five to ten operations daily at drug-dealing spots. While last year saw record drug-related deaths, recent statistics show a decrease in fatalities. However, politicians continue to grapple with controlling the ongoing violence.
Source: EN
