France is grappling with a surge in drug-related violence, as gangs recruit children as young as nine, leading to a spike in homicides and attempted murders by 38% in 2023. The alarming situation has prompted Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to call for judicial reforms to combat the "hyperviolence" plaguing cities like Poitiers and Rennes.

The minister warns of a potential "Mexicanization" of France if decisive action isn't taken, drawing parallels to the widespread violence seen in Mexico.

Experts emphasize the need for strategic political decisions to address the growing influence of organized crime.

The narcotics trade in France, generating billions annually, is not only a domestic issue but also part of a broader European challenge, with France serving as both a consumer and transit hub for drugs.