William Molinié / Photo credit: NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP 6:04 a.m., March 28, 2024

More than a week after the launch of the anti-drug operation “Place Net XXL” by Emmanuel Macron, it continues in several cities in France. While Gérald Darmanin has announced more than 800 arrests since the start of the operation, these figures are however sometimes biased. A strategy that makes a certain number of police officers doubt.

No figures yet from the justice side. But “XXL square net” operations continue in several cities in France, such as in the Paris region, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Clermont-Ferrand and even Dijon. According to Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior, more than 800 arrests have taken place since the start of operations, however, these figures can sometimes be biased. The Place Beauvau strategy makes a certain number of police officers doubtful.

“It gives meaning to the profession”

Nothing to do with the fight against narcotics, but certain arrests are counted in XXL net operations. Like this individual arrested Tuesday in Seine-Saint-Denis for lack of a license. Even more absurd are these 26 fines for traffic offenses drawn up on Monday in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. “We put everything and anything into this operation,” annoys a field police officer. In the absence of record drug seizures, the police must increase their arrests.

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One of them, however, recognizes merit in this strategy. “It’s been 40 years since we deserted the neighborhoods. At least we occupy every square centimeter. And that gives meaning to the profession,” he admits. From there to having a sufficiently strong impact on drug trafficking networks, the police are reserved. “Clean space does not address the problem in the long term,” recognizes a commissioner. Judicial police operations, often long and costly, are also generally more successful. The day before yesterday, an investigation opened last October led to the seizure in Marseille of half a million euros in bank notes. A prize of war which will indeed enter into the final balance sheet of Place Nette.