“Given the gravity of the threat posed by the growth of drug trafficking, the current system, despite the efforts made, remains inadequate. » : the Court of Auditors published, on Tuesday 26 November, a report dedicated to the services involved in the fight against drug trafficking, first and foremost the anti-narcotics office (Ofast) of the national police. And the observation elaborated by the institution on rue Cambon is intended to be contrasting. Despite this office’s increased power, the response to drug trafficking lacks organization and resources.
Unlike its predecessor, the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking, which was just a judicial police service among others, Ofast was created in 2020 to become the leader in the fight against drug trafficking. And thus bring order to the multitude of services involved, among which at times a harmful rivalry has reigned: customs, gendarmerie, secret services, prison services, etc.
“All the actors agree on their roles”the speakers note. The office also takes on the role of“privileged international interlocutor”in collaboration with foreign services and European or international agencies. “The cooperative work carried out by both the agents of the intelligence center and the group in charge of international cooperation is proving to be effective”underlines the relationship.
To take on these various tasks, the office has seen its staff and budget grow. In 2023 it had 678 agents and a budget of 55 million euros, compared to 318 agents and 36 million euros in 2020. “This operational momentum has led to an increase in judicial activity”notes the Court of Auditors. Ofast participated in 1,500 legal proceedings in 2022, compared to fewer than 500 in 2020.
Not enough specialized investigators
But this dynamic suffers from some obstacles. Employee of the national directorate of the judicial police, Ofast does not directly manage its budget and does not have information on all its material and human resources, the rapporteurs regret. In terms of organisation, the Court of Auditors deplores “real estate” among the information collected from the fifteen branches and nine detachments of Ofast and its headquarters. «The central Ofast favors international investigations and leaves the handling of local cases to its territorial network (…) without sharing information (…) it’s still really formalized. »
What are the main challenges faced by anti-narcotics agencies like Ofast in drug enforcement?
Interview Start:
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Julia Martin, a renowned expert in drug policy and law enforcement. Dr. Martin, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Julia Martin (DJM): Thank you for having me!
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Recently, the Court of Auditors released a report outlining the challenges faced by the anti-narcotics office, Ofast, in the fight against drug trafficking. What are your thoughts on the report’s findings regarding the inadequacies in our current system?
DJM: The findings are concerning but not surprising. The report highlights a reality that many in the field have been aware of — that despite Ofast’s increased powers and a clearer mandate since its establishment in 2020, the coordination among various law enforcement agencies remains fragmented.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. The article mentioned the historical context of Ofast’s formation from its predecessor, the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking. How do you think this transition has impacted drug enforcement efforts?
DJM: Transitioning to Ofast was a step in the right direction, as it aimed to centralize and streamline the fight against drug trafficking. However, the lack of adequate resources and unified organization hinders effective operations. We need to ensure that various entities, like customs and the gendarmerie, are not just aware of their roles but can work collaboratively without rivalry.
TNE: Speaking of collaboration, the report mentions Ofast’s role as a “privileged international interlocutor.” How crucial is international cooperation in tackling drug trafficking?
DJM: International cooperation is absolutely essential. Drug trafficking is a global issue, and networks often operate across borders. A collaborative approach with foreign services and international organizations can provide crucial intelligence and resources. Ofast’s efforts in this area have shown promise, but these relationships need to be strengthened and formalized to address the complexities of the issue.
TNE: What do you think needs to happen next? Are there specific reforms or resources that should be prioritized to enhance these efforts?
DJM: First and foremost, investing in human resources is vital. This includes hiring more trained personnel and providing ongoing training to adapt to the evolving landscape of drug trafficking. Additionally, better funding for technological resources would greatly enhance intelligence gathering and sharing. Lastly, establishing clear communication channels among agencies is critical to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
TNE: That sounds like a comprehensive approach. Given the gravity of the threat, how can the public support these initiatives?
DJM: Public support is key. Awareness campaigns about the impact of drug trafficking and the resources available for prevention can mobilize communities. Additionally, advocacy for policy changes and support for law enforcement initiatives can create a more favorable environment for the fight against drugs. Bringing this issue into the public consciousness is crucial.
TNE: Dr. Martin, thank you for your insights into this pressing issue. It’s clear that while there are significant challenges, there are also many opportunities for improvement in the fight against drug trafficking.
DJM: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we keep this discussion alive and continue to push for effective change.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to cover important topics that impact our communities. Until next time!
Interview End.