Editorial: Le Monde

• The escalating drug wars and violence spikes are an indicator of the narcotics threat in France.
• The illicit drug market in the country is estimated to be over €3.5 billion.
• The asymmetrical fight against drug dealers calls for a reinforcement and adaptation of institutions and procedures.
• The French government is instituting new legal measures to combat drug trafficking, including creating a 'national prosecution' against organized crime.
• The exact scope and details of these legal efforts remain vague, and are set to be reviewed by Parliament in 2025.
• Even though the ministers are projecting a united front, the blind spots in their strategy cannot be ignored.
• The fight against drug trafficking must be a multifaceted effort that includes education, risk reduction, care for dependencies, and debate over decriminalization.

Conclusion: Combatting drug trafficking requires a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond enforcement and law application, and also addresses demand and associated social issues.

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