Full Breakdown
Rising Violence in Marseille's Drug Wars: The Kessaci Family Tragedy
11/19/2025, 8:23:13 PM
The Kessaci Brothers and Drug Violence in Marseille
Amine Kessaci, a prominent anti-drugs campaigner in France, has faced profound personal loss due to escalating drug-related violence in Marseille. His younger brother, Mehdi Kessaci, was shot dead on November 13, 2025, as he parked his car in the city, marking the second brother killed by drug criminals. This incident has been described by French officials as a turning point in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region. Amine, who lost his older brother Brahim in 2020, has vowed to continue speaking out against the violence that has plagued their community.
Government Response to Drug Crime
In the wake of Mehdi's murder, French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting with cabinet ministers to address the rising tide of drug-related violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez characterized the murder as a "crime of intimidation" linked to drug trafficking. He noted that the murder represents a new level of violence in the ongoing drug wars in Marseille, where over a dozen people have been killed in drug-related disputes this year alone. Macron has called for enhanced measures to combat drug crime, including improved interception of drugs entering France and increased cooperation with international judicial authorities.
The Scale of the Drug Trade
The drug trade in France has reached alarming proportions, with an estimated turnover of €7 billion, accounting for 70% of the justice ministry's budget. Approximately 250,000 individuals are believed to derive their livelihood from this illicit trade, surpassing the total number of police and gendarmes in the country. The prevalence of cocaine use is also significant, with around 1.1 million users reported. This context underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and the government in addressing the drug crisis.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Amine Kessaci has expressed his determination to fight against the drug violence that has claimed his brothers' lives. In an opinion piece for Le Monde, he emphasized the need for courage among citizens and action from the government, stating, "I speak because I have no choice but to fight if I don't want to die." His advocacy has drawn attention to the broader implications of drug violence on working-class communities in Marseille, where he has launched an association named Conscience to expose the damage caused by gangs.
Official Statements and Responses
President Macron's response to the violence has included a commitment to review progress on a new anti-drugs law passed in June, which aims to establish a special prosecutor's office dedicated to organized crime. This office will be modeled after those that tackle terrorism and will eventually include 30 specialized magistrates. Nuñez reported that recent crackdowns have led to a decrease in homicides in Marseille, from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, and a reduction in drug dealing points from 160 to 80.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yesterday I lost my brother. Today I speak out,” — Amine Kessaci, Anti-Drugs Campaigner
- “We all agreed that this premeditated murder was something totally new. It's clearly a crime of intimidation. It's a new level of violence.” — Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister
- “I speak because I have no choice but to fight if I don't want to die. I speak because I know that silence is the refuge of our enemies,” — Amine Kessaci, Anti-Drugs Campaigner
- “The war is not won, but we do have results.” — Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the government reports a decrease in drug-related homicides, the ongoing violence in other regions, such as Grenoble, raises questions about the overall effectiveness of current measures. Additionally, the exact number of drug-related deaths in Marseille this year varies among sources, indicating a need for clearer data on the situation.
