Paris Drug Dealers Brace for Olympics: Surge in Security and Demand Expected

The city of lights is buzzing with anticipation as Paris prepares for the Summer Olympics. However, it's not just the athletes and organizers gearing up for the global event - local drug dealers are also stating their readiness, albeit with cautionary notes on supply and services.

As France pitches itself as fully prepared for the Olympic deluge, the Parisian drug trade is mirroring this readiness. Dealers have indicated they expect to maintain a steady flow of their illicit products; however, they issue warnings that increased security—numbering up to 45,000 forces—and heightened demand might drive prices up and extend delivery times.

The Olympic Games are set to be a lucrative period for many, from residents renting out their accommodations to a public transit system inflating ticket costs. Echoing President Emmanuel Macron’s statement of readiness, a Parisian dealer, speaking under the condition of anonymity, declared, "We're always ready in this business."

A shift towards digital means of conducting the drug trade is evident, especially since pandemic lockdowns forced dealers off the streets and onto social media and messaging apps for business transactions. This digitization, or "Uberisation," as criminal attorney Adrien Gabeaud describes it, has expanded the market significantly.

Potentially complicating these planned operations are the swathes of central Paris that will be obstructed during the Games, raising concerns about road traffic and the attendent challenges for those involved in the illegal drug trade. Communication to clients about anticipated disruptions and the continuation of services has been noted, with varied messages being exchanged through different dealers.

Criminal lawyer David Curiel has suggested that drug prices in Paris could see a sharp increase during the Games, quoting past prices and projected rises concerning substances like cocaine. He likens dealers' anticipation to that of store owners during government-set promotional periods when consumer spending soars.

French authorities remain committed to combatting digital drug sales and have deployed significant police forces to maintain order during the Olympics, potentially attracting 15 million attendees.

Skepticism over the supposed 'Olympics effect' on the drug trade remains, with both an AFP examination of advertised drug prices and input from a narcotics investigator showing no immediate price spikes.

As the city prepares for an event that will draw the world's attention, the Paris drug market's reaction will ultimately be a key indicator of the effectiveness of security measures and the adaptability of the illicit economy. The effects will likely be scrutinized by researchers striving to understand the broader implications on France's drug trade.