New Delhi . Illegal drug trade in France is now taking a dangerous form. To spread this black drug trade, drug mafias are targeting small children and minors. The surprising thing is that now social media is being used to recruit children into these gangs. On platforms like Snapchat, drug gangs promote themselves like a big brand and trap the youth by luring them with big money. According to reports, more than 10 thousand children across France are directly or indirectly involved in drug trafficking. This situation has become a big challenge for the administration and security agencies of France.
According to the BBC report, this dangerous network was revealed in the year 2022. At that time, a minor boy had given a note writing about his ordeal in the hand of a girl who had come to buy drugs. Through this note, information about atrocities against children came to light. Later, two 15-year-old boys were rescued from the clutches of the drug gang. These children told that they were forcibly kept in their custody and were subjected to various types of torture. She was also forced to dance in the nude. One child also told about being a victim of sexual violence. This incident revealed a horrifying picture of the drugs network targeting minors in France.
Children are being targeted through social media
In France, the drugs network known as DZ is accused of ensnaring minors. This gang tries to attract the youth like a private organization. Initially the youth are lured to pay huge amount in exchange for supply and smuggling of drugs. After this they are gradually pushed into the world of crime. Making contacts through social media has become an important way of this network. Especially such children are targeted who are financially weak or wish to earn money quickly. Once children come in contact with gangs, it becomes difficult for them to get out of this network.
Illegal trade worth 7 billion euros and increasing violence
The drug trade in France is not limited to the problem of addiction only, but along with it violence and organized crime are also increasing rapidly. According to the report, the annual size of illegal drugs trade in the country has reached about 7 billion euros. The increase in cocaine consumption has also expanded this market. Due to the huge amount of money involved in this drug trade, the fight for supremacy continues between different gangs. Its most dangerous impact is on youth and minors. Many youth have lost their lives due to this violent network.
Big challenge before the government
The French administration is continuously taking action against the drugs mafia. According to reports, more than a thousand members associated with the DZ network have been arrested and about 600 of them have been sent to jail. Despite this, the process of new recruitment through social media remains a matter of concern for security agencies. The biggest challenge before the police is to reach those children who are being lured into the world of crime by luring them with money. Now it has become necessary for France not only to take action against drug smugglers but also take effective steps to save children from this trap.