Lyon Cracks Down on Drug trafficking: Prefect buccio Reports Progress Six Months After New Law
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The implementation of France’s Narcotrafic law is yielding encouraging results in the Lyon metropolitan area, according to Prefect fabienne Buccio, despite ongoing challenges like retaliatory violence.In an exclusive interview with news Lyon on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Buccio detailed a six-month assessment of the law’s impact, highlighting critically important disruptions to drug networks and increased pressure on both traffickers and consumers.
Dismantling Deal Points and Targeting Kingpins
Since the Narcotrafic law came into effect on June 13, 2025, authorities have been equipped with enhanced tools to combat drug trafficking. buccio stated that these tools have enabled increased efficiency, leading to numerous arrests and the identification of key figures orchestrating the illicit trade.”The Narcotrafic law gives us additional tools and allows us to do more and be more efficient,” she explained. At least fifteen drug dealing locations have been dismantled across the Lyon area in 2025 alone.
A significant aspect of the crackdown involves leveraging the new law to expedite evictions of individuals involved in drug trafficking from social housing. Buccio’s office has directly requested evictions in three cities – Villeurbanne, Vénissieux, and Oullins-Pierre-Bénite – and one in Tarare. An additional six letters have been sent to landlords requesting they initiate eviction proceedings in other areas.
Moreover, nearly fifty eviction procedures have been initiated independently by landlords, demonstrating a ripple effect of the new law. Buccio’s office is currently reviewing six additional cases, including five in rillieux-la-Pape.
Beyond evictions, authorities are utilizing orders prohibiting individuals involved in drug dealing from appearing at specific locations. Since August 12, 2025, 115 such orders have been issued across the Lyon metropolitan area, targeting individuals in Lyon’s 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 9th arrondissements, and also Vénissieux, Villeurbanne, Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, Meyzieu, Vaulx-en-Velin, Bron, Caluire-et-Cuire, Grigny, and Villefranche-sur-Saône. Twenty-two instances of non-compliance have resulted in criminal prosecution. These bans, Buccio explained, effectively disrupt the operations of lookouts who previously operated outside the scope of legal repercussions.
Addressing Retaliation and Maintaining Presence
Despite these successes, the crackdown on drug trafficking has triggered retaliatory violence, with shootings continuing to occur in the Lyon area. Buccio acknowledged residents’ concerns, stating, “When you kick the anthill, it provokes reactions.” Tho, she firmly asserted that inaction is not an option, as allowing neighborhoods to fall under the control of drug traffickers is unacceptable.
Buccio emphasized the importance of collaboration with residents, providing them with facts and explaining the rationale behind ongoing operations. She specifically highlighted the strong presence of law enforcement in Vénissieux, citing a well-staffed police station and a specialized field brigade. Responding to recent criticism from local officials, Buccio defended the state’s commitment to the area, stating, “I cannot let it be said that the State is absent… This is a lack of recognition of the daily work of law enforcement.” Vénissieux is one of seven municipalities in the Rhône benefiting from regular public peace meetings involving the town hall and the prosecutor’s office, fostering a coordinated approach to security.
Key statistics and Future Outlook
Data released by the judicial police indicates that the number of suspected drug traffickers in the Rhône region remains stable at approximately 1,900, consistent with 2024 levels. The Rhône national police have conducted 26 reinforced city security operations in priority sectors, resulting in 498 arrests, including 168 individuals identified as foreign nationals without legal residency.
Authorities are also increasing pressure on drug consumers, with a 17% increase in fines issued – totaling 7,944 – and a 69% increase in fines for occupying building halls, reaching 812. Furthermore,the seizure of criminal assets has risen sharply by 69% compared to 2024,exceeding 21 million euros as of September 30,2025. .
The ongoing efforts demonstrate a multifaceted approach to tackling drug trafficking in the Lyon metropolitan area,balancing enforcement with community engagement and a commitment to long-term security.