French cities are increasingly imposing night-time curfews on minors to combat escalating violence associated with drug trafficking. Nîmes, the latest city to adopt such measures, announced these restrictions to protect young people under the age of 16 from being "exposed to violence" amidst heightened tensions. Additional law enforcement officers will be deployed in response to a series of violent incidents, including multiple shootings that have left one person dead and several others injured over the past month.
The disturbing trend reached a critical point when the body of a 19-year-old was discovered partially burned on the outskirts of Nîmes. Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier declared the local situation "untenable," attributing the fear residents feel to the activities of drug traffickers. The curfew, effective between 21:00 and 06:00, aims to shield not only those not involved in drug activities but also vulnerable minors who may be targeted by traffickers for exploitation, as noted by Deputy Mayor Richard Schieven.
Nearby Béziers has implemented similar curfews for children, initially set for those under 13, which were expanded last March to include those under 15 in specified areas. Mayor Robert Ménard emphasized that children wandering the streets late at night are likely to be engaging in mischief rather than anything constructive. Despite the curfew measures in place, Béziers has faced ongoing violence, particularly incidents involving masked youths attacking police during the weekend.
In Limoges, where a curfew for minors has been enforced during the summer, Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie reported that recent disturbances had rendered the measures ineffective. He pointed to the lack of arrests, stating that the curfew did not achieve its intended purpose and emphasized the necessity for a stronger police presence.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by a tragic incident from two years ago in Nîmes when a 10-year-old boy lost his life to gunfire in a local area, drawing public outrage. The current situation reflects a disturbing trend as drug violence continues to spread beyond Marseille, traditionally regarded as the hub of gang conflicts in France.
Statistics from the interior ministry reveal that 110 individuals lost their lives to drug-related violence in France in 2024, with more than 300 injuries reported. Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin and Justice Minister Bruno Retailleau have repeatedly highlighted the importance of combating the drug trade. Earlier this year, significant government action led to the establishment of two maximum-security prisons designed for high-level drug offenders and the creation of a new prosecutors' office dedicated to drug-related crimes.
Darmanin revealed that the first group of 17 highly dangerous drug traffickers has been moved to a high-security facility in Vendin-le-Vieil, located in northern France. The response to government crackdowns has led to an alarming series of arson and gun attacks against French prisons, suggesting the tense pushback from drug gangs.
