Stéphane Burgatt 12:15 p.m., September 01, 2021

Emmanuel Macron is traveling to Marseille for three days, a city grappling with drug trafficking and the settling of scores that have mourned the summer.

At the entrance to certain disadvantaged neighborhoods, checkpoints have even been set up by dealers, who regulate the lives of all residents. 

REPORTING

Emmanuel Macron at the bedside of the Marseille city.

The President of the Republic is in Marseilles for three days to announce his plan for the city "Marseilles en grand".

The second largest city in France has suffered for years of accumulated delays in terms of accommodation, school facilities and transport.

Another point that should be widely discussed: security.

Especially since the summer was marked by assassinations linked to drug trafficking in disadvantaged areas of the city.

An illegal business that impacts the lives of residents.

They sometimes have to go through checkpoints held by dealers at the entrance to neighborhoods.

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Entries and exits are controlled, framed by barriers and artisanal harrows.

These networks are very organized: prices are even displayed at the entrance to the residences.

Quentin lives in a city in the 3rd arrondissement, in the heart of the city, one of the poorest arrondissements in Europe.

He deplores the outbidding of dealers to protect their activities.

"There are permanent lookouts, who watch who comes in and goes out. It's a border, a country within a country," he denounces.

"There are cries, races in the city as soon as CRS vans pass ... It's a very heavy atmosphere", adds the resident.

"We have the impression that we live under control, not under the control of the state but under that of the dealers. For me it is a lawless zone." 

156 points of sale

This illegal trade is profitable: up to 60,000 euros in turnover per day.

A sum that arouses all envy and can tip teenagers without solutions.

The inhabitants feel trapped.

"Once the GIGN has come, it goes far here: we are afraid of stray bullets, we are afraid for our children," says Salia, who fears "recruitments" by the dealers.

"We educate our children with our values, but after that there are many who turn quickly."

The police have identified 156 points of sale in activity throughout the city this year.

A figure that does not take into account the uberization of traffic with the unfathomable development of home deliveries for a year and a half.