Overview

• The French government's proposed anti-drug trafficking bill seeks to address a 130% surge in cocaine seizures in 2024.
• Key measures include creating a specialized anti-crime prosecutor's office and introducing high-security detention regimes for dangerous traffickers.
• Controversial provisions, such as encrypted messaging access and the 'dossier-coffre,' were removed in committee but are being pushed for reinstatement by the government.
• Left-wing parties and human rights groups oppose several measures, citing concerns over civil liberties and procedural fairness.
• Debates in the National Assembly began on March 17, with a final vote scheduled for March 25, highlighting deep political divisions on the bill.