France is set to construct a high-security prison in the Amazon jungle, specifically in French Guiana, to house drug traffickers and radical Islamists. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the plan, stating that the prison would target organized crime “at all levels” of the drug supply chain. The €400m facility, expected to open by 2028, will be built in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and will hold up to 500 people, including the most dangerous criminals.
The prison will operate under an “extremely strict carceral regime” designed to “incapacitate the most dangerous drug traffickers”. Darmanin emphasized that the facility will detain people “at the beginning of the drug trail” and serve as a “lasting means of removing the heads of the drug trafficking networks” in mainland France. Due to its remote location, the prison will effectively isolate drug lords from their criminal networks.
Key Features of the Prison
- Location: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana, a strategic crossroads for drug mules from Brazil and Suriname
- Capacity: Up to 500 people, with a separate wing for the most dangerous criminals
- Security Measures: Strict rules governing visits and communication with the outside world
- Objective: To incapacitate drug traffickers and disrupt their networks
The decision to build the prison comes after a series of violent incidents linked to criminal gangs targeted prisons and staff across France. Darmanin described these incidents as “terrorist” attacks in response to the government’s new legislation. The French government has announced measures to crack down on organized crime, including creating a dedicated branch of the prosecutors’ office and introducing extra powers for investigators.
This new prison is part of France’s broader strategy to combat organized crime and narcotrafficking. By isolating key figures in drug trafficking networks, the French government aims to significantly disrupt the flow of drugs into the country. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the prison’s location, holds historical significance as the former port of entry to the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony, where 70,000 convicts from France were sent between 1852 and 1954.
The prison’s construction reflects France’s commitment to tackling the growing issue of organized crime and drug trafficking within its borders. With its strict regime and remote location, the facility is designed to be a formidable obstacle for even the most powerful drug traffickers.
In addition to housing drug traffickers, the prison will also hold radical Islamists, further solidifying France’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. By targeting organized crime at all levels, the French government hopes to create a safer and more secure environment for its citizens.