The day after the death of a 15-year-old teenager, shot in the head in the Hoche district of Grenoble where he was prohibited from going, the authorities held a press briefing this Wednesday. “Despite her young age”, the victim was “well known for her participation in drug trafficking”, confirms Eric Vaillant, the public prosecutor, for whom this tragedy “illustrates the rejuvenation” of drug traffickers.
“Those interested are younger and younger. We also now see young girls taking part. Many are illegal foreigners,” he continues.
Around fifty shootings since the start of the year
Since the start of the year, the city of Grenoble, now compared to Marseille, has been the scene of around “fifty shootings” linked to drug trafficking. Six deaths are “directly linked” to it. “A deal point is extremely profitable,” observes Eric Vaillant, specifying that professionals estimate the daily turnover of a “deal point that works well” at 10,000 euros. “A deal point that works very well provides 30,000 euros in turnover per day,” he emphasizes. Do the math, it’s between 3 and 11 million euros per year.”
“We are in a long-term fight” to make them disappear, supports Louis Laugier, prefect of Isère who “notes results”. “Constant” dismantling operations, occupation of the land, arrests… In one year, the number of traffickers implicated increased from 328 to 554. The number of deal points was reduced from 26 to 19. “Each no deal that disappears, it’s one less abscess on the ground,” he concludes, specifying that Grenoble will soon receive reinforcements within the national police.