• In Nice, the courts have been testing since January a simplified procedure to increase the repression against lookouts.

  • Since the beginning of the year, this alternative procedure has made it possible to draw up around sixty minutes and seize more than 32,000 euros in several districts.

Since January, the courts in Nice have been experimenting with the police, a simplified procedure to accentuate the repression against lookouts, "little hands" of drug trafficking. The goal is to "go quickly", to "multiply the interventions" and "not to give the feeling that nothing is done" against these young people, often minors, who are "authors of nuisances in the neighborhoods". detailed this Wednesday Jean-Philippe Navarre, first deputy prosecutor of the Republic.

Since the beginning of the year, this alternative procedure has made it possible to draw up around sixty minutes and seize more than 32,000 euros in several districts of Nice.

It fills a void for the police, often powerless to incriminate individuals who have no drugs on them, but allow traffickers to flee when the police arrive, uttering characteristic cries or calling.

A simplified report that leaves a trace in the event of repetition

A report template (PV) was drawn up for the police and validated by the prosecutor.

It makes it possible to verbalize on the spot lookouts caught in the act, without taking them into custody at the police station, and to confiscate their equipment, walkie-talkie, telephone, as well as the money whose origin they do not prove.

The simplified report, on which the police officer only has to note an identity and tick a few boxes, is not followed up.

He nevertheless leaves a trace against the author: "The procedure is recorded at the public prosecutor's office and creates a precedent to be able to initiate more significant proceedings on a more traditional format of appearance before the court, in the event of a reiteration of the facts" , underlines Jean-Philippe Navarre.

"Lookout is often a first step"

At the Nice judicial court, appearances related to drug trafficking are daily. A group for the fight against drug trafficking (GLTD) associating the town hall, the prefecture, the police and the judiciary was created in 2020. “Lookout, it is often a first step, adds the First Deputy Prosecutor of the Republic. . Unfortunately, there is a gear which means that you start by watching for 50 euros, then you sell for a little more and you end up like that in everyday delinquency. "

It is about "a lot of minors easy to recruit for a few tens of euros, but not for the most part".

The others are "French nationals in very great precariousness", or "foreign nationals in a precarious or underground situation, who are exploited by drug traffickers to earn a few euros".

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who promised to wage a "war" against drug traffickers, had mentioned in May the idea of ​​a fixed fine against lookouts, a measure which had aroused the skepticism of some police officers.

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  • Nice

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