French National Assembly Advances Anti-Drug Trafficking Bill with Stricter Measures

Lawmakers approve extended custody for drug couriers and increased penalties for armed trafficking as final vote approaches.

The National Assembly reinstated a measure extending police custody for drug couriers ('mules') to 120 hours, which had been removed earlier in committee discussions.
Amendments approved include harsher penalties for trafficking offenses involving weapons and a ban on French territory for foreign nationals convicted of drug trafficking with sentences of at least five years.
Legislation now criminalizes public advocacy of criminal organizations and unexplained wealth linked to organized crime, with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin supporting refinements to ensure compliance with freedom of expression.
The measures aim to bolster law enforcement capabilities while maintaining procedural safeguards, such as access to legal counsel and medical oversight during extended custody.
A final vote on the comprehensive anti-drug trafficking bill is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as debates on balancing security and civil liberties continue.