Toulouse: nitrous oxide dealing point sparks conflict in Bagatelle neighbourhood
In the Toulouse neighbourhood of Bagatelle, traffickers are selling nitrous oxide on a self-service basis. Prices and product references are spray-painted on building facades in full view of a nursery and primary school.
Toulouse: nitrous oxide dealing point sparks conflict in Bagatelle neighbourhood
In the Bagatelle neighbourhood, a street in south-west Toulouse is the scene of constant conflict. Traffickers are operating a nitrous oxide trade there, commonly known as laughing gas. For more than thirty days, they have been marking their location by painting prices and product references on building facades. These inscriptions are located a few metres from an educational establishment with young children.
The municipal council's teams are attempting to respond by repainting the soiled surfaces. A cleaning operation was carried out with the assistance of municipal police officers, resulting in the removal of 450 m² of graffiti in nearby streets. A few days later, the tags had returned.
This situation highlights the difficulties related to the legal framework surrounding this substance. Nitrous oxide refills are sold legally in shops; the ban applies only to sales to persons under eighteen years of age. Resale in a public place can be sanctioned, but the merchandise does not fall into the category of controlled drugs, which significantly limits the possibilities for enforcement.
Toulouse's security official, Emilion Esnault, assures that the municipality maintains its commitment. He nevertheless clarifies that the fight against criminal organisations falls under the remit of the national police and the public prosecutor, who alone hold investigative powers. He also regrets that the public authorities have not yet placed this substance on the list of illicit products, which would further handicap municipal police officers.
From the prefecture's perspective, it is indicated that this dealing location reconstitutes itself intermittently and that national police units are providing sustained surveillance, both in terms of ground presence and from a judicial perspective.
Source: La Dépêche du Midi
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)