French lawmakers approved a new anti-drug law on Tuesday. The law comes in response to a sharp increase in cocaine smuggling and drug-related violence across the country.
New Powers to Fight Organised Crime
The law introduces several powerful tools. First, it creates a national prosecutor’s office for organised crime. This office will focus solely on tracking and prosecuting powerful drug networks. Next, it allows prisons to isolate dangerous drug kingpins. The goal is to prevent them from controlling operations while behind bars.
In addition, the government can now shut down businesses found guilty of laundering drug money. Furthermore, the law expands the use of cooperating witnesses. These are criminals who share information about their networks in return for lighter sentences or other legal benefits. Importantly, the new rules also allow authorities to seize assets unless the owners can clearly explain where the money came from.
Law Born Out of Urgent Senate Warning
The bill followed a 2024 Senate report. That report warned France had reached a “tipping point” because of rising drug violence.
However, the bill sparked debate. Lawmakers removed a proposed measure that would have given police automatic access to encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Many believed it would violate privacy rights.
Recent Prison Attacks Highlight Growing Threat
Meanwhile, France has seen a wave of prison attacks linked to drug gangs. The government says these were in response to its efforts to make prisons tougher on crime lords.
As a result, police arrested 25 suspects on Monday. They now face terrorism charges for their role in the attacks.
Cocaine Flood Fuels More Violence
Over the years, Europe has seen record-breaking levels of cocaine coming in from South America. This has led to more violence and a major shift in local drug markets.
Even though police in France are making record drug seizures, gangs are still making huge profits. They have moved beyond big cities like Marseille and are now expanding into smaller towns, which were once less affected by drug crime.
Crime Surge Alters French Politics
At the same time, the rise in drug crime is also changing the political mood in France. Many citizens now feel unsafe. Therefore, more people are supporting the far-right National Rally party. The crime wave has helped shift French politics further to the right.
