A Historic Record in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking: 47 Tons of Cocaine Seized in 2024

During a visit to Le Havre on Monday, January 13, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the seizure of nearly 47 tons of cocaine by French authorities between January and November 2024, a figure he described as historic. “It’s a record,” he stated, recalling that 23 tons were intercepted in 2023. Over the past decade, cocaine seizures have increased tenfold.

Strengthened Efforts Against Trafficking

This announcement follows a large-scale operation at the port of Le Havre. On Sunday, January 12, 219 kilograms of cocaine concealed in coffee bags were discovered and seized. Two individuals were arrested and placed in custody for drug importation and trafficking.

Despite these impressive figures, experts caution that even large-scale seizures have a limited impact on overall trafficking. They represent only a small fraction of the drugs entering and circulating in France. Bruno Retailleau, however, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensify its efforts, calling the fight against organized crime a “national battle comparable to the fight against terrorism.”

This crackdown is part of a broader strategy. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin recently announced plans to isolate the 100 most prominent drug traffickers in a dedicated, highly secure prison by summer 2025. This initiative aims to curb the influence of these criminals over their networks while in detention.

Through these measures, authorities are striving to ramp up their fight against a scourge that continues to threaten public safety and devastate lives across the nation.