Un portrait du trafic de drogues fait par les membres de gangs de rue à Montréal

In a context where the gang phenomenon has become omnipresent in our neighbourhoods and represents a growing problem in several large cities in Quebec and Canada, paying particular attention to drug trafficking by members of street gangs is undoubtedly of great interest.  The media strongly influences the image of gang phenomenon.  As information conveyed by newspapers and news channels focus on the stereotypes associated with gangs and their behaviour, it enhances the fear that society has regarding street gangs.  That being said, to shed light on gangs and their activities is an interest.  We chose to focus on drug trafficking which is common in street gangs.  The main objective of this research is to obtain the most accurate description and knowledge of drug trafficking from present and former street gang members related to their knowledge of drug trafficking as a result of their membership and their involvement in street gang activities.  Drug trafficking is addressed through interviews with gang members.  In total, fifteen semi-directive interviews were conducted among present and former gang members.  All respondents but one were from the Centre jeunesse de Montréal-Institut universitaire.  Overall, this study allows us to understand that in addition to drug trafficking, gangs or gang members indulge in polymorphic criminal activities; drug trafficking is rarely the sole source of income. Moreover, drug trafficking is not an activity exclusive to street gangs.  Thus, even if a number of members are involved in drug sales as a structured gang activity, it is possible for a member to sell drugs on a freelance basis while being affiliated with a street gang.  It appears that most respondents are part of a clique, identify a color or a district and buy drugs from older and higher ranked members that respondents identify as veterans. Regarding the veterans, respondents indicated the importance of being trusted by the highest ranked if they wish to evolve in the drug sales market.  When trust is present and the new seller begins his activities, either he takes over a turf, usually within his area, or the veteran provides a place where the new seller can "work".  The presence of a family member already affiliated to a gang seems to facilitate the process of access to new trafficking activities.  There are several dimensions associated with the territory aspect according to the interviewees such as: competition, conflict, interactions with rival gangs and violence, to name a few.   Members indicate selling a variety of drugs, cannabis and crack representing the two most commonly cited drugs. The profit margin varies among the type of drugs sold, the district and of customers’ characteristics. The customers, although diverse in nature, have something in common: addicted customers, as several interviewees have mentioned, are desperate to ensure their consumption. These are typically homeless, prostitutes, bars’ employees, partygoers and foreigners/ travellers.  Respondents also indicate the presence of undercover police officers, which may arise as customers.  Thus, it is essential to develop skills allowing them to distinguish the undercover police officers from regular customers.  Regarding drug use, respondents assert themselves using mostly alcohol and cannabis.  However, several admitted to having used a large variety of intoxicants during their lives.

Keyphrases: Violence, Intervention policière, Structure, Street gangs, Drug sales, Organization, Structure, Freelance, Drug use, Turf, Supply, Conflict, Violence, Police intervention, Traffic