In a harrowing case highlighted by prosecutors in Marseille, two teenagers were kidnapped and tortured by members of a drug trafficking network. The incident took place in January 2022 when two 16-year-olds, who had run away from home, were lured into the criminal organization under the false pretense of repaying a non-existent debt. After four days of forced exploitation, the victims attempted to escape by jumping from a third story balcony, which resulted in one sustaining severe injuries that led to further torture in a basement where they were held captive.

During the court proceedings in Bouches-du-Rhône, sentences handed down varied significantly, with some members of the drug network receiving prison sentences ranging from six to eighteen years. This case was described as an example of the "savagery" perpetrated by drug traffickers targeting vulnerable youth in the region. The assault not only highlights the dangers faced by at-risk adolescents, particularly in urban settings, but also sheds light on the pervasive issues of drug-related violence and exploitation across Marseille's troubled neighborhoods.

The implications of this case extend beyond the legal penalties imposed, as it raises concerns about the systemic issues leading to such exploitation of minors. The recruitment of vulnerable teenagers by criminal organizations is a growing trend, underscoring the need for stronger protective measures and community support to prevent similar exploitation in the future. It amplifies the call for greater accountability in addressing drug violence and the safeguarding of youth from such predatory practices.