French mayor forced into hiding as terrifying drug cartels unleash hell on Europe

The politician was taken away by police on Tuesday in the early hours, and is under the protection of officers at a secret location. 17:28, Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Updated: 17:32, Sat, Jul 25, 2026 The picturesque city of Arles is at the centre of an escalation in France's drug war (illustrative) (Image: Getty)A French mayor has been forced into hiding over fears him being targeted by the country's most feared drug cartel. Alès, a subprefecture city in the south of France, was at the centre of a major escalation in the battle between authorities and the DZ Mafia, a powerful criminal organisation operating primarily out of nearby Marseille.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said he removed Alès's mayor, Christophe Rivenq, due to credible intelligence suggesting an attack by members of the gang was imminent, Reuters reports. Mr Rivenq was taken away by police on Tuesday in the early hours, and is under the protection of officers at a secret location. It follows a previous chilling threat earlier this month against the politician, who is a member of the right-wing Les Républicains party. Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in w...