In northeast Paris, the ongoing issue of crack cocaine use in public has plagued neighborhoods for years. However, with the Summer Olympics set to begin a year from now, there is renewed motivation to address the problem.
Despite an increase in arrests and promises of tighter security during the 2024 Paris Games, some residents are skeptical about whether this approach is truly effective. They worry that the current focus on law enforcement may only displace users to other areas, without addressing the underlying medical, mental health, housing, and employment issues that fuel the crack crisis.
The 18th and 19th arrondissements (districts) of the city have particularly borne the brunt of open-air crack consumption, presenting a stark contrast to the picturesque and tourist-friendly regions found in the southern parts of Paris.
On Sunday, small groups of individuals were observed engaging in illicit drug use at the Porte de la Chapelle metro station, as well as at a nearby tram stop situated across the street from a newly constructed multi-purpose arena, designated to host badminton and rhythmic gymnastics during the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Similar scenes have become a recurring issue along local quays and public parks.
Last year, law enforcement authorities took action and cleared out a sizable encampment of drug users located at Forceval Square, which is just outside a prominent park that accommodates the Paris Philharmonic and other cultural spaces. Since then, the police have been unrelenting in their efforts to prevent further gatherings, deploying as many as 600 officers daily in the northeastern part of the city.
In 2022, Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez made a commitment to eliminate crack from the streets before the Olympics, and on Thursday, he declared these efforts a success.
According to Nuñez, the Paris police have successfully arrested 255 individuals for selling crack cocaine in the city since the beginning of the current year. This figure is in comparison to the total of 285 arrests made throughout the entire year of 2022. Additionally, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau reported that, on average, two individuals per day have been prosecuted this year for offenses related to both the consumption and sale of crack cocaine. The authorities have been actively combatting drug-related activities in their efforts to ensure public safety and security leading up to the 2024 Olympics.
While some local residents appreciate the efforts being made to address the drug problem, they argue that the number of drug users hasn’t necessarily decreased but rather dispersed to other areas.
Frédéric Francelle, the spokesperson for Collectif19, an association of residents from the 19th arrondissement, is advocating for an end to drug use on the streets. He points out that the police chief’s self-congratulation is largely due to the absence of new camps for drug users. However, he highlights that drug consumption still takes place openly in certain locations.
Francelle emphasizes that the city’s current approach seems to be primarily focused on security, but what drug users truly need is medical and social assistance. He doubts whether the authorities are genuinely prioritizing their treatment before the start of the Olympics. Francelle believes that rather than offering proper support, they might resort to pressuring the drug users to move elsewhere, potentially pushing them towards the provinces or suburbs.
Recently, a treatment center located across the street from the new Olympic arena was relocated a few blocks away. This center is managed by two community associations, Gaïa-Paris and Aurore. The workers at the center report that the number of visitors increased by 30% after the Forceval Square site was cleared. However, in recent weeks, the number has decreased again to around 150 people per day. The fluctuations in attendance highlight the challenges in effectively addressing the issue and providing sustained support to those in need.
Local authorities have requested that associations like Gaïa-Paris hire more personnel and extend their operating hours, as reported by Victor Deprez, the deputy director of Gaïa-Paris. The aim is to increase their capacities and ensure that drug users are not as visible in the streets during the daytime.
Additionally, efforts are being made to expand the number of hospital beds available for crack users in the Paris region. The plan is to increase the current count of 39 beds across five locations to 50 beds by September, according to Amélie Verdier, the chief of the Paris region state health agency. While the exact number of crack users in Paris today remains uncertain, previous estimates suggest there could be several thousand.
In preparation for the Olympics, Paris police chief Nunez has announced a substantial increase in law enforcement presence around the new arena and other areas in the city. The security measures are expected to be heightened “by five or 10 times” during the Olympic events.
The construction of the new arena is part of an effort to revitalize underprivileged, multi-ethnic neighborhoods in Paris, giving them an economic boost. After the Olympics and Paralympics, the facilities will be handed over to local clubs and schools for continued use.
Jamel Lazic, who oversees drug consumption rooms at Gaïa-Paris, sees the Olympics as an opportunity to address the issue of people living on the streets. He suggests considering large-scale facilities that can accommodate drug users and implementing a better strategy to reduce harm and prepare them for treatment. It’s an opportunity to tackle the problem more effectively and provide substantial support for those in need.
