Two hundred euros fine for smoking a joint. The measure is something to think about. In Rennes, the police have had a new tool since Monday to fight against drug use. Promise of Emmanuel Macron's campaign, the fixed fine applies to all consumers but mainly targets cannabis lovers. As the number one cannabis customer in Europe and the third for cocaine, France is unable to lower its consumption figures.
Since Monday, Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine), Reims (Marne), Créteil and Boissy-Saint-Léger (Val-de-Marne) have been testing this new device, which should be extended to Marseille and Lille in mid-July. The amount of 200 euros, which can be reduced (150 euros) or increased (450 euros) depending on the payment period, is intended to dissuade. "It's always better than going to the police station," said Gaëtan. This 23-year-old man was fined driving his car in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, near Rennes after buying two grams of grass for 20 euros. "I'll be careful next time," admits the young man, even if the fine should not change his consumption habits. In four days, a dozen fines were drawn up by the Rennes police.
Prosecutor Philippe Astruc explains that he wants to conduct a “very proactive policy of empowering” cannabis users. “We have been working for years to reduce the supply of narcotic drugs at the national level. The time has come to empower users, that is, to have a demand policy. We must weigh on demand to allow us to act effectively on supply, "he explained in late May.
" A great time saver "
For the police, it is above all a “considerable time savings in terms of procedure”, underlines the commissioner Nathalie Frêche, on the fringes of a control. "It makes our work easier and it gives additional motivation to the police who see the immediate sanction," added the official, who intends to make this fine "a daily tool of the police officer".
Time-consuming, procedures for drug use often end with a simple reminder of the law. In 2016, nearly 140,000 drug users were arrested, according to a parliamentary information report.
Society
Cannabis: Twenty elected officials claim in a platform its "legalization"
News
Morbihan: Eight people arrested in an anti-drug phone call
- Drug
- Detention of narcotic drugs
- Police
- Narcotic
- Cannabis
- Fine
- Reindeer
- Society