The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes has enforced the new “narcotrafficking” law by banning around forty individuals from frequenting areas linked to drug trafficking. This measure is part of a series of actions taken in recent months to try to calm certain sensitive areas.
Since the implementation of the law of June 13, 2025, the State has a new tool to combat drug trafficking: the “administrative ban on appearing.” This measure allows the prefect to prohibit any person involved in trafficking—seller, lookout, recruiter, or supplier—from going to the places where they operate. This measure can be applied independently of any possible legal proceedings.
In Nice, Cannes, Grasse, and Vallauris, forty individuals are now affected. According to the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes, “16 individuals are under 18 years old, 20 are between 18 and 35 years old, and 4 individuals are 35 years old.” Failure to comply with this ban can result in a penalty of up to six months of imprisonment and a €3,750 fine.
The ban applies to certain sections of public roads, collective facilities, or common areas of buildings identified as deal points. However, the person’s residence cannot be included.
Prefect Laurent Hottiaux had already made the first decisions of this type during the summer. These new measures confirm the extension of the scheme across the department. The prefecture emphasizes that “the fight against narcotrafficking is a daily struggle. Nothing will be overlooked on this front.”
Coordinated operations in several towns of the department
This announcement comes amid persistent tensions over drug trafficking in the Alpes-Maritimes. In recent months, several operations have been conducted to try to restore calm in certain neighborhoods.
In Nice, Emma and Philippe Tiranty Street was subject to a municipal decree from July 16 to 22, 2025, for health and public order reasons. Access was limited to residents and those with medical or business appointments. Six municipal police officers were deployed daily to control entry.
The goal was to end “a situation linked to drug consumption in the street,” according to the city hall. Anthony Borré, first deputy mayor, indicated that the city had recorded “144 reports since the start of the year, a 300% increase compared to 2024.”
At the end of the measure, on July 22, Christian Estrosi claimed that the action had “restored calm in this area, without causing major issues for residents or fines.” However, he called on the State to “ensure, in consultation with ARS and CHU, the maintenance of public tranquility in this area.”
Anthony Borré pointed out that “drug-addicted populations fall under the responsibility of the State and the Regional Health Agency. They do not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.” He advocated for “hospital care for drug addicts.”
A few weeks later, another operation in Antibes uncovered a significant stock of drugs. In a technical room of a residence, investigators discovered over 12 kilos of cannabis resin, 570 grams of weed, and 1.3 kilos of cocaine. The suspect, a sandwich shop manager, was charged with drug trafficking and money laundering before being placed in pre-trial detention.
Towards strengthened coordination between State and local actors
In addition to the appearances bans, the prefect also gathered, on September 30, the social landlords of the department. He asked them to report situations where a tenant is involved in drug trafficking, with a view to potential eviction. Five reports have been transmitted to the State services. If the landlords take no action, the prefect can directly refer the case to the court to terminate the lease.
This new policy aims to secure buildings affected by trafficking and protect other residents. It is part of an administrative approach that complements judicial investigations.
By multiplying the bans on appearing and eviction procedures, authorities hope to reduce the presence of traffickers in the hardest-hit areas.
These measures can be challenging to enforce for residents often terrorized by traffickers. But for many local officials, the issue remains the follow-up on affected individuals. In Nice and elsewhere, municipal representatives demand that the State take over, ensuring not only sanctions but also lasting social and medical assistance for those in need.
