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5h ago

France Bolsters Security in Martinique to Confront Cocaine ‘Tsunami’

The push follows alarming homicide rates reported by the Antilles‑Guyane JIRS, reflecting the islands’ role as a trafficking corridor.

Bruno Retailleau a annoncé, vendredi 22 août 2025, offrir des moyens supplémentaires pour endiguer le « tsunami blanc » de la cocaïne en Martinique. Photo d’illustration.
Le ministre de l'Intérieur Bruno Retailleau visite le 6 août 2025 le poste de commandement des secours établi n Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, dans l'Aude

Overview

  • Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said a second squadron of mobile gendarmes will become permanent on the island.
  • A new naval brigade will be created at Fort‑de‑France with a judicial investigation cell to target trafficking networks.
  • OFAST’s investigations arm will gain 26 personnel, with roughly one third assigned to Martinique.
  • Retailleau was to meet CTM president Serge Letchimy to sign a financing agreement for two millimetre‑wave scanners at Fort‑de‑France airport.
  • Officials cite an exceptional security situation, with 29 homicides in Martinique in 2024 and 61 killings recorded by JIRS across Fort‑de‑France, Basse‑Terre and Cayenne by June 26, far above the rate in metropolitan France.