French prisons to see sweeps and stricter controls for drug criminals

The French government is preparing to toughen prison conditions for individuals convicted of drug trafficking, aiming to sharply limit the circumstances under which they can leave detention.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that he plans to submit a government proposal in January to strengthen the prison regime for drug offenders in the same way as for those convicted of terrorism. The move follows public outcry over a recent incident in which a well-known drug trafficker was released from prison two days ago, reportedly to attend a job interview.

"I want to apply to drug offenders the same rules we have for terrorists," Darmanin said. He explained that after the planned amendments, prisoners convicted of drug crimes would be allowed to leave the facility only in exceptional situations, such as the death of a close family member.

The minister also questioned the recent decision to allow the trafficker out for a job interview, remarking, "A job interview in 2029 — that seems a bit too far in advance."

In addition to the proposed legislative changes, Darmanin announced that large-scale inspections of French prisons will take place before the end of the year to seize prohibited items, including phones.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks on French prisons in spring 2025, as well as the destruction of staff vehicles in multiple cities. At the time, government officials suggested that these attacks were likely carried out by drug traffickers, highlighting security concerns within the penitentiary system.

By Tamilla Hasanova