Macron vows 'unprecedented operation' against drugs in Marseille

Marseille, France: French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday pledged an unprecedented operation against drug trafficking in Marseille during a surpri...

Marseille, France: French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday pledged an "unprecedented operation" against drug trafficking in Marseille during a surprise visit to the southern port city beset by gangland killings.

"In Marseille and other cities in France, we have launched an unprecedented operation to put a stop to drug trafficking and ensure republican order," Macron wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after arriving in the city.

The operation, according to press reports, will require the mobilisation of thousands of police deployed weekly to end a crisis that has eroded security in Marseille and damaged its reputation.

Macron began his visit with a walkabout in the northern district of La Castellane, telling residents in what has been one of the worst hit areas that the operation will "last several weeks".

"The goal is to try to destroy the networks and the traffickers and to make those people who make your life impossible go away," he said.