French Anti-Narcotraffic Bill Faces Divisions in National Assembly

Key measures to combat organized drug crime spark debate over privacy, justice, and civil liberties.

The proposed anti-narcotraffic law, unanimously passed by the Senate in February, begins a week of contentious debates in the National Assembly.
The bill includes the creation of a National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (Pnaco), one of its least controversial measures.
Removed provisions, such as encrypted messaging access and the 'dossier coffre' for confidential evidence, are being pushed for reinstatement by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin supports a controversial new prison isolation regime for dangerous narcotraffickers, with proposed limits on duration following Council of State recommendations.
Opposition parties, including left-wing groups and France Insoumise, criticize the bill as overreaching and harmful to civil liberties, while government coalition members aim to rally support.