The Prefect of Var intensifies the economic war against drug trafficking

It is a resolutely offensive assessment that was presented on February 5th. Surrounded by the public prosecutors of Toulon and Draguignan, as well as the chiefs of police, gendarmerie, and customs, the Prefect of Var unveiled the crime figures for the past year. While overall crime remains "under control" with a slight increase of 0.66%, it is on the drug trafficking front that the State is scoring decisive points.

VAR EXCEPTION

The figures outline a unique situation in Var. While France is experiencing a 7.6% increase in drug-related offenses, Var has managed to reverse the trend with a 5.4% drop, recording 6,339 offenses in 2025. This "exceptional mobilization" of State services has led to the dismantling of around a hundred deal points across the territory. This efficiency translates into spectacular seizures. Law enforcement seized 482 kg of cocaine, a 133% increase compared to the previous year. Local cultivation is not spared: cannabis plant seizures surged by 389%, with 772 plants uprooted. But beyond drug seizures, the battle is now being fought on financial grounds. The goal is to dry up criminal revenues. "The State is hitting drug dealers in their wallets. In 2025, real estate seizures reached a record amount of €11,226,985," confirmed the representative of the State. Added to this are over €4.6 million in bank and cash seizures, as well as the confiscation of 103 vehicles. Customs are not left behind, posting a 40.8% increase in fines imposed, totaling a staggering €15.8 million. By targeting the "sinews of war," the authorities intend to disrupt the networks by depriving them of the enjoyment of their illicit gains.

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE WEAPON

L'année 2025 marque aussi un tournant législatif avec la mise en œuvre de la loi du 13 juin 2025 « visant à sortir la France du piège du narcotrafic ». Ce nouvel arsenal juridique a permis au préfet du Var de durcir le ton concernant l'occupation des logements et de l'espace public. Le message est limpide : les trafiquants ne doivent plus se sentir chez eux dans les quartiers. Ainsi, 14 injonctions d’expulsion ont été adressées aux bailleurs pour déloger les locataires dont les activités nuisent à la tranquillité publique. En parallèle, l'arme administrative a été dégainée avec force : 45 arrêtés d’interdiction de paraître ont été pris, et 4 établissements commerciaux servant de couverture ou de lieux de blanchiment ont fait l’objet de fermetures administratives. Cette approche globale, mêlant répression judiciaire, saisies patrimoniales et sanctions administratives, semble porter ses fruits. En rendant la vie impossible aux trafiquants, tant sur leur lieu de vie que sur leurs comptes en banque, l’État espère pérenniser cette baisse de la délinquance liée aux drogues et restaurer la tranquillité des Varoises et des Varois.

HUNT FOR SQUATS

Beyond the global safety figures, a major focus emerges with the protection of the property and living environment of the Varois. For the authorities, tolerance towards squats and illegal occupations is now a thing of the past. The phenomenon of squatting, a real scourge for owners and a source of tension in neighborhoods, has received very special attention. Relying on the law of July 27, 2023, designed to protect housing against illegal occupation, the Prefect made this file a "departmental priority". While the year 2023 only recorded 4 formal notice orders, the year 2025 confirms the rise of the system with 22 orders issued, a stable figure compared to 2024. In total, 48 orders have been signed in three years to return properties to their rightful owners. The State's action is proving to be all the more effective as it is legally robust. Of the 10 summary appeals filed before the Tribunal administratif to contest these evictions, 9 were rejected, thus validating the procedure initiated by the prefecture. This legal solidity allows law enforcement to intervene quickly, putting an end to the feeling of helplessness often felt by victims.