Paris Crack Plan Reduces Public Use but Raises Concerns Over Dispersed Consumption

Authorities report progress in clearing public spaces of open drug use, but experts warn of challenges in addressing the needs of displaced users.

The dismantling of the Forceval camp in 2022 has led to a significant reduction in large-scale open drug use in Paris' public spaces.
Authorities credit increased police presence and the arrest of 1,141 traffickers in 2024 with preventing the re-establishment of major consumption hubs.
Critics highlight that the displacement of users to smaller, scattered groups has made providing medical and social support more difficult.
While over 800 individuals entered treatment programs in 2024, experts emphasize the need for more harm-reduction facilities, including inhalation-friendly spaces.
The plan's long-term success remains uncertain as consumption rates and emergency visits for crack use continue to rise in the Île-de-France region.