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Drug trafficking: residents of a building evacuated in Échirolles
Drug trafficking: residents of a building forced to evacuate in Échirolles
(France 2)
In Échirolles, the residents of a condominium were forced by the town hall to leave their building, which was being squatted by drug dealers. The building is in such poor condition that it is going to close. Its occupants say they are disgusted and worried.
Since Tuesday, September 24, police officers have been inspecting a building in Échirolles (Isère) and knocking on every resident’s door. The occupants still have 48 hours to evacuate the premises. The evacuation order highlights a permanent danger to life, particularly due to fire risks. In the corridors, all the electrical installations have been exposed by the dealers who operate in the building.
“I’m going to move, but I won’t come back to Échirolles, it’s over. There’s been too much damage, too much neglect.“, assures one man. Another says he heard the sound of gunfire. The feeling of insecurity is shared by most of the residents. The presence of lookouts is almost permanent around the residence. The building has become a major drug dealing point. Several apartments are even squatted and used to house lookouts.
Once evacuated, the building will be inaccessible while the co-owners carry out the work to bring it up to standard.