Faced with the resurgence of drug trafficking in French waters, France intends to draw on the conclusions of a Senate inquiry commission report to effectively combat maritime crime.
On May 14, the conclusions of a major report by the French Senate’s commission of inquiry into the consequences of drug trafficking in France and the measures to be taken to remedy the situation were officially presented. The report highlights three main recommendations for improving the fight against drug trafficking. These include being clear about the nature of drug trafficking in order to recognize the fundamental threat it poses to the nation, targeting the heads of the drug-trafficking rings rather than be limited to one-off “clean-up” operations, and structuring the services in charge of this fight more effectively. In addition to these recommendations, 35 specific measures have been suggested, particularly in the maritime sector, which is the most vulnerable.
Strengthening measures at sea and overseas
The report highlights the need to improve intelligence sharing to better combat drug trafficking on the high seas, and to step up maritime controls in overseas territories, which are often used as gateways for narcotics. Modernization of the air and sea equipment used by law enforcement agencies in the French overseas territories is also advocated to meet the growing threat. France also intends to bolster the counter-narcotics capabilities of West African and Gulf of Guinea states, which are often involved in the transit of drugs to Europe
Record seizures
The recent increase in the number of seizures made during marine inspections alone justifies these measures.
On May 2, the frigate VENTOSE intercepted an unregistered sailing boat at 510 nautical miles east of Martinique. Following the interception, Customs seized 1,237.79 kg of cocaine in bundles, some of which was visibly arranged in the bow of the cabin.
A few days later, on May 9, the patrol vessel LA RESOLUE intercepted an unidentified tugboat at about 600 nautical miles east of French Guiana, seizing 1,236.70 kg of cocaine as well as a cargo of heavy weapons.
These actions bring to ten the number of cocaine seizures made by French authorities in 2024, with a total of 22.52 tons of cocaine intercepted, already surpassing the 21.29 tons seized in 2023.
On May 14, two dockworkers from the port of Montoir-de-Bretagne were sentenced by the Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) in Rennes to five years behind bars and a customs fine of 7.43 million euros for cocaine trafficking. These convictions are the latest in a series of nine since 2017 concerning dockworkers in the Saint-Nazaire area, underlining the persistence of the problem in this sector.
France determined to eradicate crime at sea
France is showing increased determination to combat drug trafficking through reinforced measures and effective operations. However, many challenges remain, particularly in terms of equipment modernization, international cooperation and management of overseas areas. The Senate report’s recommendations, if fully implemented, could significantly improve the country’s ability to combat this complex and persistent threat.
