drug trafficking, at the origin of the departure of traders from this district

Drug trafficking in Bouscat: merchants in the Godard district out of breath

For two years, the Godard district in Bouscat, near Bordeaux, has been confronted with nighttime drug trafficking which is seriously disrupting the lives of local residents and traders. Several businesses have already lowered the curtain, and a fourth could follow the same path.

A pharmacist caught in a vice
Every morning, Michel Martial, a 67-year-old pharmacist, has to clean up the trash left in front of his window: cans, cigarette butts and other residue. Having lived in the neighborhood since 2019, he now regrets his choice.

“If I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have signed up here,” he confides.

For two years, his pharmacy has become a meeting point for a small group of dealers who set up in front of his pharmacy every evening to sell drugs. “They set up chairs and do their business. At one point, they even posted their prices on a post,” he says, disconcerted.

Well-known traffic, but difficult to stop

This traffic, which is clearly visible, is known to everyone in the neighborhood. Residents notice unusual crowds: “I've never been attacked, but it's not very safe,” says a pharmacy customer.

The mayor of Bouscat, Patrick Bobet, confirms the situation but emphasizes the caution of traffickers:

“They provoke verbally, block the passage of several people, but do not move on to physical aggression. The police are mobilized and are preparing a major operation to resolve this problem. »

A direct impact on businesses

The presence of dealers has already pushed several traders to leave the neighborhood. A hairdresser and a heating engineer have ceased their activities, and Michel Martial is also considering leaving. He deplores a 30% drop in traffic to his pharmacy, accompanied by repeated verbal threats:

“I value my life and my health. My wife and family tell me to be careful. When you are constantly harassed, it becomes unbearable. »

An uncertain future for the Godard district

The situation worries the remaining traders, who are struggling to envisage a future in the neighborhood. “If I leave, who will want to move here? », asks the pharmacist.

While closed blinds are increasing, residents hope that the authorities will manage to put an end to this traffic, which has become a real scourge for the tranquility of the neighborhood.

Source : France Info

(Thank you Fabrice Guérault)