Overview

• The French government is converting two prisons, Vendin-le-Vieil and Condé-sur-Sarthe, into high-security facilities to house 200 of the most dangerous narcotrafiquants.
• Renovations at Vendin-le-Vieil are set to conclude by July 31, while Condé-sur-Sarthe is scheduled to be operational by mid-October, with a total budget of 10 million euros.
• Security measures include video surveillance, videoconferencing systems, anti-drone technology, and perimeter fortifications to prevent escapes and unauthorized communication.
• Detainees will be subject to strict isolation protocols, with limited physical extractions and increased reliance on videoconferencing for judicial proceedings.
• Specialized staff training is being implemented to prevent corruption and ensure safety, with rotations, anonymized identities, and psychological preparedness for managing high-risk inmates.