Several prisons in France were attacked overnight in a violent response to the government’s crackdown on drug trafficking. Officials reported that unknown assailants used automatic weapons to fire at a prison in Toulon, while other facilities across the country faced vehicle fires and threats against staff.
The attacks occurred in various locations, including Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nimes, Villepinte, and Nanterre, which is near Paris. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has taken over the investigation, with the DGSI, France’s national security agency, also involved.
It remains unclear if the attacks were coordinated or who was behind them. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance prison security and combat gang violence, announced he would visit Toulon to support the affected officers. He stated that the government is committed to tackling drug trafficking and disrupting criminal networks.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered local authorities to increase protection for prison staff and facilities. He described the recent incidents as attempts to intimidate prison workers, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The rise in drug-related violence in France has been fueled by an influx of cocaine from South America, leading to increased gang activity even in smaller towns. This surge in crime has contributed to a shift in French politics, with growing support for far-right parties like the National Rally.
Darmanin and Retailleau have prioritized addressing drug trafficking, with Retailleau recently announcing record cocaine seizures in the past year. They are also pushing for new laws to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat organized crime and drug gangs.
The situation reflects a broader trend of escalating violence linked to drug trafficking in Europe, prompting urgent action from French authorities to protect both prison staff and the public.