France is ramping up its fight against drug trafficking as cocaine use in the country has nearly doubled in six years.
A recent report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends revealed that 1.1 million people used cocaine in 2023, compared to 600,000 in 2017. This surge is attributed to increased global production, changing perceptions of cocaine as less dangerous, and its use among workers to cope with demanding jobs.
The government has responded with intensified measures, with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Prime Minister François Bayrou emphasizing a "war on narcos.
" Authorities seized nearly 47 tons of cocaine in 2024, a significant increase from previous years.
The issue has become a central focus of public policy, highlighting the urgent need for action.