Adopted Drug Trafficking Law Garners Ministerial Approval due to Its Timeliness and Ambitious Agenda
In an unusual display of almost unanimous agreement, France's narcotics trafficking bill, often termed the "root of hyperviolence" and an "existential threat" to French institutions, was passed with a significant majority by the National Assembly on April 29, 2025. A total of 396 votes were cast in favor, while 68 voted against. The day before, it had been approved unanimously in the Senate, with the only abstention coming from the Green group.
An amendment proposed by the government to safeguard the anonymity of prison officers in criminal and administrative matters was also adopted during the session.
Before the debate, the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, hailed the bill as a "powerful text" against organized crime, while his counterpart from Justice, Gérald Darmanin, noted a "near-unanimous national consensus" around this law. The La France insoumise (LFI) group was the only one to vote against the bill, as they had previously submitted two preliminary motions of rejection, which were widely rejected by the Hemicycle.
While the law seems to have attracted broad legislative support, it has stirred controversy around its surveillance measures and enforcement strategies. The law aims to establish a National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (PNACO) to centralize high-level drug trafficking cases, operational by July 2026. It also grants Prefects and mayors temporary powers to close businesses suspected of money laundering, with enhanced coordination between local and national authorities.
Controversy arises when discussing the surveillance provisions of the law. Initial drafts included proposals for encryption backdoors and remote phone surveillance. Although some provisions were later dropped, critics argue that the remaining measures allow for mass internet monitoring and disproportionate targeting of migrants or dissenters.
The law's implementation risks exacerbating debates over civil liberties, particularly with right-wing amendments mandating entry bans for non-citizens convicted of drug offenses. The lopsided National Assembly vote indicates that opposition concerns are concentrated among a minority of lawmakers. However, civil society dissent remains vocal.
As France grapples with heightened concerns over drug-related violence and organized crime, the long-term efficacy and alignment with human rights norms of the narcotics trafficking law remain contentious.
- The narcotics trafficking bill, a powerful text against organized crime, was approved unanimously in the French Senate, with the exception of the Green group.
- The La France insoumise (LFI) group was the only one to vote against the bill in the National Assembly, having previously submitted two preliminary motions of rejection.
- Critics argue that the remaining surveillance measures in the law allow for mass internet monitoring and disproportionate targeting of migrants or dissenters.
- As France implements this narcotics trafficking law, debates over civil liberties and human rights norms are expected to continue, with vocal opposition from civil society.
