France to Open Two Ultra-Secure Prisons for Its Most Dangerous Narcotraffickers

The prisons in Vendin-le-Vieil and Condé-sur-Sarthe will house 200 high-risk inmates under a strict new regime starting this year.

The Vendin-le-Vieil prison in Pas-de-Calais will begin housing 100 of France's most dangerous narcotraffickers starting July 31, followed by Condé-sur-Sarthe in Orne on October 15.
The facilities will implement an unprecedented regime of isolation inspired by Italy's anti-mafia measures, designed to prevent any communication with the outside world.
Security upgrades costing €10 million include anti-drone systems, fortified window grilles, and advanced surveillance technologies.
Critics, including prisoner rights groups, have raised concerns about potential violations of fundamental rights under the strict new measures.
The program, if successful, could expand to three additional facilities by 2027, ultimately isolating up to 1,000 high-risk inmates.